Peter,
I know of similar training trenches both on Cannock Chase, Staffs. where and on the moors above Sheffield. Both are associated with large training establishments which started with rifle ranges in the aftermath of the Boer Wars, but which grew greatly in size in the winter of 1914-5, when it was clear that WWI would not be 'all over by Christmas'.
Doubtless there are others.
Chris
>>> "Iles, Peter" <[log in to unmask]> 15/09/2008 16:06 >>>
Dear All,
Recently we have been able to tie up a cropmark site near Blackpool
Airport with a 'visitor education site' (if that is the right term) that
operated during the First World War called 'The Loos Trenches'. This
was a system of military trenches originally laid out for training
purposes, but kept open and maintained by the staff and patients at a
nearby military convalescent hospital, to show both residents and
visitors to the town something of the new trench warfare. A series of
contemporary postcards show the site
(http://www.rossallbeach.co.uk/loostrenchesww1p.htm) and we also have a
contemporary guidebook.
The site is now a small recreation ground, and buried remains of the
trench system are likely to survive. It has quite some potential for
interpretation on a variety of scales.
Is anyone aware of any similar sites across the UK? Clearly the 'real
thing' can still be visited on the continent, and some sets of practice
trenches have been identified elsewhere in the country, but were there
any others that were used like these?
Any pointers would be gratefully received on or off list.
Peter D Iles
Specialist Advisor (Archaeology)
Lancashire County Council Environment Directorate
PO Box 9
Guild House
Cross Street
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 8RD
t. 01772 531550
f. 01772 533423
e. [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
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