SPYSCAPE explored a top-secret chamber shrouded in myth and rediscovered in the labyrinth of tunnels deep inside the Rock of Gibraltar.
A mile-long bombproof tunnel runs inside 'The Rock'
Gibraltar's Stay-Behind Cave
With only 30 people a year allowed to visit, the Stay Behind Cave offers unique appeal: it is where six brave British spies agreed to live secretly under enemy rule during World War II under Operation Tracer.
Fortunately, there was never a need to use the facilities.
Only 30 people a year can visit the Stay Behind Cave
The Stay Behind Cave can be visited year-round (weather permitting) on a first-come, first-served basis but the 90-minute tours are restricted to just 30 visitors per year as the caves are fragile.
The Stay-Behind Bunker: Gibraltar's Ultimate Secret Panic Room
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SPYSCAPE explored a top-secret chamber shrouded in myth and rediscovered in the labyrinth of tunnels deep inside the Rock of Gibraltar.
A mile-long bombproof tunnel runs inside 'The Rock'
Gibraltar's Stay-Behind Cave
With only 30 people a year allowed to visit, the Stay Behind Cave offers unique appeal: it is where six brave British spies agreed to live secretly under enemy rule during World War II under Operation Tracer.
Fortunately, there was never a need to use the facilities.
Only 30 people a year can visit the Stay Behind Cave
Britain was prepared to leave behind a covert surveillance team in case Gibraltar fell into enemy hands. The plan was for the six men to be bricked up in the bunker so they could monitor enemy movements from deep inside the Rock.
They were even willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice and be sealed in cement there if they died while defending their country.
Construction began in late 1941 and was complete by the summer of 1942
Stay-Behind Military Supplies
As well as storage space for food supplies that would last up to seven years, a secret radio communications chamber was built.
The eastern lookout oversees the Mediterranean Sea
The hideaway had space for two radio operators, a doctor, an officer and a signalman.
Ingeniously, the tunnel also had a cork floor to muffle the noise.
A spacious meeting room, measuring about 18 x 5.5m, was built with a sink supplied by a metal water tank.
The room opened up to a corridor and stairs which led to the radio room. The remains of a bicycle were also found. It could be used to generate electricity for the radio and a ventilation fan.
If necessary, the men could monitor Gibraltar’s air, sea traffic, and radio intelligence back to the UK, while remaining in hiding.
A Sneaky, Stay-Behind Observation Post
The chambers served as a dual observation post. One slit faced over the Bay of Gibraltar and a large, eastern post overlooked the Mediterranean Sea.
The initial plan was for the men to remain sealed in the cave for about a year, longer if necessary.
The chambers were found in 1997 by the Gibraltar Caving Group. A decade later, one of the physicians, the last surviving member of the Tracer team, confirmed the location.
The Stay Behind Cave takes quarantine to a whole new level.
The Stay Behind Cave can be visited year-round (weather permitting) on a first-come, first-served basis but the 90-minute tours are restricted to just 30 visitors per year as the caves are fragile.
This story is part of our weekly briefing. Sign up to receive the FREE briefing to your inbox.
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