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The second Royal Observer Corps Post in Waterloo was at the bottom of Sandheys Avenue. It was on this site from 1941 to 1943. This was the Post that saw all the action during the May Blitz of 1941.
At the bottom of Sandheys Avenue was a wooden hut on the right. In peacetime this was used by the Beach Attendant, but during this period of the war it was used by the R.O.C. for rest and making tea.
The photograph shows Observer Fred Smith with binoculars around his neck. Fred lived in Milton Road, Waterloo, and worked for the British American Tobacco Co.
He would work there during the day and at night and weekends he would do his stint at the Post in all weathers. Fred had been in the Army during World War 1 and had been a prisoner of war of the Germans.

This information was given by his son, George Smith.

The Observer Corps received the title “Royal” in 1941 for its invaluable work during the Battle of Britain.

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