Gibraltar Caving Group: Difference between revisions
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The Gibraltar Caving Group is based in Gibraltar, the British Overseas Territory at the southern end of the [[Iberian Peninsula]].<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Crown Dependencies & Overseas Territories|url=http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/publications-and-documents/treaties/uk-overseas-territories/list-crown-dependencies-overseas|work=fco.gov.uk|publisher=[[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]]|accessdate=11 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Neandertals' Last Stand was in Gibraltar, Study Suggests|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/09/060913-neanderthals.html|accessdate=11 November 2012|newspaper=National Geographic News|agency=[[National Geographic Society]]|date=10 October 2006|author=Roach, John}}</ref> It forms the Caves and Cliffs Section (also known as the Caving and Climbing Section) of the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society (GONHS), which was established in 1976. That section of the society is composed of members with substantial caving and climbing experience.<ref name=gcg>{{cite web|title=GONHS Caves and Cliffs Section|url=http://gibcaving.net/public_html/Caves_cliffs_website/About_Us.html|work=gibcaving.net|publisher=The Gibraltar Caving Group|accessdate=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref name=littlebay>{{cite web|title=Little Bay Cliff|url=http://www.gonhs.org/documents/LITTLEBAYCLIFFStabilisation.pdf|work=gonhs.org|publisher=[[Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society]]|accessdate=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref name=csu/> Until recently, the organisation represented the only caving club in Gibraltar. However, the Gibraltar Museum Caving Unit has since been founded; the unit collaborates with the Gibraltar Caving Group.<ref name=york>{{cite web|title=2005 Trip|url=http://www.yucpc.org.uk/expeditions/gibraltar/2005/|work=yucpc.org.uk|publisher=York University Cave & Pothole Club|accessdate=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome to Underground Gibraltar|url=http://underground-gibraltar.com/#|work=underground-gibraltar.com|publisher=Gibraltar Museum Caving Unit|accessdate=12 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Volunteers descend on history of Gibraltar's 200 caves!|url=http://www.panorama.gi/localnews/headlines.php?action=view_article&article=9150&offset=0|accessdate=12 November 2012|newspaper=Gibraltar news from Panorama|date=7 August 2012}}</ref> The Gibraltar Caving Group's role in Gibraltar includes cave exploration, avian rescue, rare plant discovery, and cave research. They are also instrumental in clearing regions that would otherwise be difficult to access.<ref name=gcg/><ref>{{cite web|title=Experience Nature for Yourself|publisher=The Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society|url=http://www.gonhs.org/sections.htm|work=gonhs.org|accessdate=9 November 2012}}</ref> The group should be distinguished from the Gibraltar Cave Science Unit. While the second organisation is also a division of the GONHS and is composed of skilled cavers and climbers, the primary mission of the Cave Science Unit is the oversight of monitoring and sampling projects in the caves. The two divisions have some members in common.<ref name=csu>{{cite web|title=Cave Science Unit/GONHS|url=http://eswww.rhul.ac.uk/~mattey/private/Caveclimate/GONHS.html|work=eswww.rhul.ac.uk|publisher=Cave Science Unit/GONHS|accessdate=11 November 2012}}</ref> |
The Gibraltar Caving Group is based in Gibraltar, the British Overseas Territory at the southern end of the [[Iberian Peninsula]].<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Crown Dependencies & Overseas Territories|url=http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/publications-and-documents/treaties/uk-overseas-territories/list-crown-dependencies-overseas|work=fco.gov.uk|publisher=[[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]]|accessdate=11 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Neandertals' Last Stand was in Gibraltar, Study Suggests|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/09/060913-neanderthals.html|accessdate=11 November 2012|newspaper=National Geographic News|agency=[[National Geographic Society]]|date=10 October 2006|author=Roach, John}}</ref> It forms the Caves and Cliffs Section (also known as the Caving and Climbing Section) of the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society (GONHS), which was established in 1976. That section of the society is composed of members with substantial caving and climbing experience.<ref name=gcg>{{cite web|title=GONHS Caves and Cliffs Section|url=http://gibcaving.net/public_html/Caves_cliffs_website/About_Us.html|work=gibcaving.net|publisher=The Gibraltar Caving Group|accessdate=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref name=littlebay>{{cite web|title=Little Bay Cliff|url=http://www.gonhs.org/documents/LITTLEBAYCLIFFStabilisation.pdf|work=gonhs.org|publisher=[[Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society]]|accessdate=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref name=csu/> Until recently, the organisation represented the only caving club in Gibraltar. However, the Gibraltar Museum Caving Unit has since been founded; the unit collaborates with the Gibraltar Caving Group.<ref name=york>{{cite web|title=2005 Trip|url=http://www.yucpc.org.uk/expeditions/gibraltar/2005/|work=yucpc.org.uk|publisher=York University Cave & Pothole Club|accessdate=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome to Underground Gibraltar|url=http://underground-gibraltar.com/#|work=underground-gibraltar.com|publisher=Gibraltar Museum Caving Unit|accessdate=12 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Volunteers descend on history of Gibraltar's 200 caves!|url=http://www.panorama.gi/localnews/headlines.php?action=view_article&article=9150&offset=0|accessdate=12 November 2012|newspaper=Gibraltar news from Panorama|date=7 August 2012}}</ref> The Gibraltar Caving Group's role in Gibraltar includes cave exploration, avian rescue, rare plant discovery, and cave research. They are also instrumental in clearing regions that would otherwise be difficult to access.<ref name=gcg/><ref>{{cite web|title=Experience Nature for Yourself|publisher=The Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society|url=http://www.gonhs.org/sections.htm|work=gonhs.org|accessdate=9 November 2012}}</ref> The group should be distinguished from the Gibraltar Cave Science Unit. While the second organisation is also a division of the GONHS and is composed of skilled cavers and climbers, the primary mission of the Cave Science Unit is the oversight of monitoring and sampling projects in the caves. The two divisions have some members in common.<ref name=csu>{{cite web|title=Cave Science Unit/GONHS|url=http://eswww.rhul.ac.uk/~mattey/private/Caveclimate/GONHS.html|work=eswww.rhul.ac.uk|publisher=Cave Science Unit/GONHS|accessdate=11 November 2012}}</ref> |
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The Gibraltar Caving Group discovered the location of the long-sought-after Operation Tracer in December 1996. It had become known locally as Stay Behind Cave, as the official name was a mystery at the time.<ref name=heritage>{{cite web|title=Stay Behind Cave - The Unique Finding of a Forgotten Story|url=http://www.georeme.co.uk/GibraltarHeritage.htm|work=georeme.co.uk|publisher=Gibraltar Heritage - The Magazine of the Gibraltar Government Heritage Division|year=2002|accessdate=11 November 2012}}</ref><ref name=rock>{{cite web|title=Operation Tracer - Stay Behind Cave|url=http://www.aboutourrock.com/culture/tracer/operationtracer.htm|work=aboutourrock.com|publisher=About Our Rock|accessdate=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref name=documentary>{{cite web|title=Operation Tracer - 'Stay Behind Cave'|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq69bJMVYiQ|work=youtube.com|publisher=Tom Finlayson|date=7 April 2012|accessdate=11 November 2012}}</ref> The group that made the discovery comprised Richard Durrell, Jean Paul Latin, Mark Ainsworth, and Ian Bramble. They had heard rumours of a secret military complex in Gibraltar since they were children. The group had analysed the possible locations and realised that in order for the World War II observation post to monitor both the [[Mediterranean Sea]] and the [[Bay of Gibraltar]], the chamber would have to be positioned very high up in the [[Upper Rock Nature Reserve|Upper Rock]].<ref name=rock/><ref name=documentary/> One day while exploring tunnels, the men experienced an unexpected gust of wind. It induced them to closely examine the tunnel walls. Carefully breaking down a portion of the [[corrugated galvanised iron]] wall, they discovered the doorway to a passage, which led to a chamber.<ref name=heritage/><ref name=documentary/><ref>{{cite web|title=Envisioning Spain's Border|url=http://pages.vassar.edu/envisioningspainsborder/?p=783|work=pages.vassar.edu|publisher=[[Vassar College]] International Studies|accessdate=11 November 2012}}</ref> Examining the interior of the room and its associated passages, they found that the west side observation post over the bay was a slit that was concealed with a concrete wedge. The east side observation post had a larger opening through which someone could climb onto a narrow ledge and still be concealed. The group also found the remains of a bicycle that had been used to generate electricity and power a ventilation system.<ref name=heritage/><ref name=documentary/> In addition, there was a water tank with a capacity of {{convert|10000|impgal|l}}. While sludge initially came out of the tank's tap, the water soon ran clear. The group exploring the chambers quickly realised that they had discovered Stay Behind Cave. Although a survival manual for Operation Tracer was compiled, the Gibraltar Caving Group has not yet been able to access it.<ref name=rock/><ref name=documentary/> Under the auspices of the Gibraltar Museum, the group performed a survey of the complex in conjunction with the [[Spain|Spanish]] organisation GIEX, a [[speleology|Speleological]] Research Group from [[Jerez de la Frontera]]. After detailed measurements, member Mark Ainsworth used a computer to generate drawings of the complex. In addition, 3-dimensional images were created utilising a survey technique by GIEX member J. Aguilera.<ref name=heritage/><ref name=documentary/><ref>{{cite web|title=Forum GIEX - Speleological Research Group of Jerez|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://espeleogiex.foroactivo.com/&prev=/search%3Fq%3DGIEX%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26tbo%3Dd%26rls%3Den&sa=X&ei=GxOgUMXOJqXRyAHGlIGIAg&ved=0CFAQ7|work=translate.google.com|publisher=GIEX|accessdate=11 November 2012}}</ref> |
The Gibraltar Caving Group discovered the location of the long-sought-after Operation Tracer in December 1996. It had become known locally as Stay Behind Cave, as the official name was a mystery at the time.<ref name=heritage>{{cite web|title=Stay Behind Cave - The Unique Finding of a Forgotten Story|url=http://www.georeme.co.uk/GibraltarHeritage.htm|work=georeme.co.uk|publisher=Gibraltar Heritage - The Magazine of the Gibraltar Government Heritage Division|year=2002|accessdate=11 November 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110091450/http://www.georeme.co.uk/GibraltarHeritage.htm|archivedate=10 January 2012|df=}}</ref><ref name=rock>{{cite web|title=Operation Tracer - Stay Behind Cave|url=http://www.aboutourrock.com/culture/tracer/operationtracer.htm|work=aboutourrock.com|publisher=About Our Rock|accessdate=9 November 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519085844/http://www.aboutourrock.com/culture/tracer/operationtracer.htm|archivedate=19 May 2012|df=}}</ref><ref name=documentary>{{cite web|title=Operation Tracer - 'Stay Behind Cave'|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq69bJMVYiQ|work=youtube.com|publisher=Tom Finlayson|date=7 April 2012|accessdate=11 November 2012}}</ref> The group that made the discovery comprised Richard Durrell, Jean Paul Latin, Mark Ainsworth, and Ian Bramble. They had heard rumours of a secret military complex in Gibraltar since they were children. The group had analysed the possible locations and realised that in order for the World War II observation post to monitor both the [[Mediterranean Sea]] and the [[Bay of Gibraltar]], the chamber would have to be positioned very high up in the [[Upper Rock Nature Reserve|Upper Rock]].<ref name=rock/><ref name=documentary/> One day while exploring tunnels, the men experienced an unexpected gust of wind. It induced them to closely examine the tunnel walls. Carefully breaking down a portion of the [[corrugated galvanised iron]] wall, they discovered the doorway to a passage, which led to a chamber.<ref name=heritage/><ref name=documentary/><ref>{{cite web|title=Envisioning Spain's Border|url=http://pages.vassar.edu/envisioningspainsborder/?p=783|work=pages.vassar.edu|publisher=[[Vassar College]] International Studies|accessdate=11 November 2012}}</ref> Examining the interior of the room and its associated passages, they found that the west side observation post over the bay was a slit that was concealed with a concrete wedge. The east side observation post had a larger opening through which someone could climb onto a narrow ledge and still be concealed. The group also found the remains of a bicycle that had been used to generate electricity and power a ventilation system.<ref name=heritage/><ref name=documentary/> In addition, there was a water tank with a capacity of {{convert|10000|impgal|l}}. While sludge initially came out of the tank's tap, the water soon ran clear. The group exploring the chambers quickly realised that they had discovered Stay Behind Cave. Although a survival manual for Operation Tracer was compiled, the Gibraltar Caving Group has not yet been able to access it.<ref name=rock/><ref name=documentary/> Under the auspices of the Gibraltar Museum, the group performed a survey of the complex in conjunction with the [[Spain|Spanish]] organisation GIEX, a [[speleology|Speleological]] Research Group from [[Jerez de la Frontera]]. After detailed measurements, member Mark Ainsworth used a computer to generate drawings of the complex. In addition, 3-dimensional images were created utilising a survey technique by GIEX member J. Aguilera.<ref name=heritage/><ref name=documentary/><ref>{{cite web|title=Forum GIEX - Speleological Research Group of Jerez|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://espeleogiex.foroactivo.com/&prev=/search%3Fq%3DGIEX%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26tbo%3Dd%26rls%3Den&sa=X&ei=GxOgUMXOJqXRyAHGlIGIAg&ved=0CFAQ7|work=translate.google.com|publisher=GIEX|accessdate=11 November 2012}}</ref> |
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In October 2002, the Gibraltar Caving Group conducted an urgent environmental survey of [[Little Bay, Gibraltar|Little Bay]] Cliff after the allocation of the bid for the planned cliff stabilisation project, but before the work commenced. The survey was done on behalf of the [[Government of Gibraltar]] and included visual inspection and photography of the site.<ref name=littlebay/> In 2004, members of the caving group collaborated with the [[University of London]]'s Department of Earth Sciences on a project to determine the reaction of [[stalagmite]]s to weather and seasons. [[Lower St. Michael's Cave]] in Gibraltar was utilised as an on-site laboratory.<ref name=gcg/> |
In October 2002, the Gibraltar Caving Group conducted an urgent environmental survey of [[Little Bay, Gibraltar|Little Bay]] Cliff after the allocation of the bid for the planned cliff stabilisation project, but before the work commenced. The survey was done on behalf of the [[Government of Gibraltar]] and included visual inspection and photography of the site.<ref name=littlebay/> In 2004, members of the caving group collaborated with the [[University of London]]'s Department of Earth Sciences on a project to determine the reaction of [[stalagmite]]s to weather and seasons. [[Lower St. Michael's Cave]] in Gibraltar was utilised as an on-site laboratory.<ref name=gcg/> |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* [http://www.georeme.co.uk/GibraltarHeritage.htm Photograph of Richard Durrell of the Gibraltar Caving Group at the entrance to Operation Tracer, the 'Stay Behind Cave'] |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120110091450/http://www.georeme.co.uk/GibraltarHeritage.htm Photograph of Richard Durrell of the Gibraltar Caving Group at the entrance to Operation Tracer, the 'Stay Behind Cave'] |
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* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq69bJMVYiQ Operation Tracer - Stay Behind Cave, 28 minute documentary by Tom Finlayson] |
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq69bJMVYiQ Operation Tracer - Stay Behind Cave, 28 minute documentary by Tom Finlayson] |
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Revision as of 05:52, 16 October 2017
| Type | Non-governmental organisation |
|---|---|
| Purpose | heritage and environment |
| Location | |
Parent organization | Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society |
| Website | Gibraltar Caving Group |
The Gibraltar Caving Group is an organisation based in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. It forms the Caves and Cliffs Section of the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society. The group of skilled cavers and climbers has multiple roles, engaging in cave exploration and research, avian rescue, and rare plant discovery. It performs surveys and clears areas with limited access. However, it is perhaps most well known for the discovery that four of its members made in December 1996. While exploring tunnels in the southern portion of the Rock of Gibraltar, they found the entrance to Operation Tracer, also known colloquially as Stay Behind Cave. Rumours of a covert World War II observation post had circulated in Gibraltar for decades. The Gibraltar Caving Group continued its exploration and evaluation of the facility under the auspices of the Gibraltar Museum.
History
The Gibraltar Caving Group is based in Gibraltar, the British Overseas Territory at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula.[1][2] It forms the Caves and Cliffs Section (also known as the Caving and Climbing Section) of the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society (GONHS), which was established in 1976. That section of the society is composed of members with substantial caving and climbing experience.[3][4][5] Until recently, the organisation represented the only caving club in Gibraltar. However, the Gibraltar Museum Caving Unit has since been founded; the unit collaborates with the Gibraltar Caving Group.[6][7][8] The Gibraltar Caving Group's role in Gibraltar includes cave exploration, avian rescue, rare plant discovery, and cave research. They are also instrumental in clearing regions that would otherwise be difficult to access.[3][9] The group should be distinguished from the Gibraltar Cave Science Unit. While the second organisation is also a division of the GONHS and is composed of skilled cavers and climbers, the primary mission of the Cave Science Unit is the oversight of monitoring and sampling projects in the caves. The two divisions have some members in common.[5]
The Gibraltar Caving Group discovered the location of the long-sought-after Operation Tracer in December 1996. It had become known locally as Stay Behind Cave, as the official name was a mystery at the time.[10][11][12] The group that made the discovery comprised Richard Durrell, Jean Paul Latin, Mark Ainsworth, and Ian Bramble. They had heard rumours of a secret military complex in Gibraltar since they were children. The group had analysed the possible locations and realised that in order for the World War II observation post to monitor both the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Gibraltar, the chamber would have to be positioned very high up in the Upper Rock.[11][12] One day while exploring tunnels, the men experienced an unexpected gust of wind. It induced them to closely examine the tunnel walls. Carefully breaking down a portion of the corrugated galvanised iron wall, they discovered the doorway to a passage, which led to a chamber.[10][12][13] Examining the interior of the room and its associated passages, they found that the west side observation post over the bay was a slit that was concealed with a concrete wedge. The east side observation post had a larger opening through which someone could climb onto a narrow ledge and still be concealed. The group also found the remains of a bicycle that had been used to generate electricity and power a ventilation system.[10][12] In addition, there was a water tank with a capacity of 10,000 imperial gallons (45,000 L). While sludge initially came out of the tank's tap, the water soon ran clear. The group exploring the chambers quickly realised that they had discovered Stay Behind Cave. Although a survival manual for Operation Tracer was compiled, the Gibraltar Caving Group has not yet been able to access it.[11][12] Under the auspices of the Gibraltar Museum, the group performed a survey of the complex in conjunction with the Spanish organisation GIEX, a Speleological Research Group from Jerez de la Frontera. After detailed measurements, member Mark Ainsworth used a computer to generate drawings of the complex. In addition, 3-dimensional images were created utilising a survey technique by GIEX member J. Aguilera.[10][12][14]
In October 2002, the Gibraltar Caving Group conducted an urgent environmental survey of Little Bay Cliff after the allocation of the bid for the planned cliff stabilisation project, but before the work commenced. The survey was done on behalf of the Government of Gibraltar and included visual inspection and photography of the site.[4] In 2004, members of the caving group collaborated with the University of London's Department of Earth Sciences on a project to determine the reaction of stalagmites to weather and seasons. Lower St. Michael's Cave in Gibraltar was utilised as an on-site laboratory.[3]
References
- ^ "List of Crown Dependencies & Overseas Territories". fco.gov.uk. Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
- ^ Roach, John (10 October 2006). "Neandertals' Last Stand was in Gibraltar, Study Suggests". National Geographic News. National Geographic Society. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
- ^ a b c "GONHS Caves and Cliffs Section". gibcaving.net. The Gibraltar Caving Group. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
- ^ a b "Little Bay Cliff" (PDF). gonhs.org. Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
- ^ a b "Cave Science Unit/GONHS". eswww.rhul.ac.uk. Cave Science Unit/GONHS. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
- ^ "2005 Trip". yucpc.org.uk. York University Cave & Pothole Club. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
- ^ "Welcome to Underground Gibraltar". underground-gibraltar.com. Gibraltar Museum Caving Unit. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ^ "Volunteers descend on history of Gibraltar's 200 caves!". Gibraltar news from Panorama. 7 August 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ^ "Experience Nature for Yourself". gonhs.org. The Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
- ^ a b c d "Stay Behind Cave - The Unique Finding of a Forgotten Story". georeme.co.uk. Gibraltar Heritage - The Magazine of the Gibraltar Government Heritage Division. 2002. Archived from the original on 10 January 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c "Operation Tracer - Stay Behind Cave". aboutourrock.com. About Our Rock. Archived from the original on 19 May 2012. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d e f "Operation Tracer - 'Stay Behind Cave'". youtube.com. Tom Finlayson. 7 April 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
- ^ "Envisioning Spain's Border". pages.vassar.edu. Vassar College International Studies. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
- ^ "Forum GIEX - Speleological Research Group of Jerez". translate.google.com. GIEX. Retrieved 11 November 2012.