LARKHILL MARRIED QUARTERS ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR BY MARK KHAN

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LARKHILL MARRIED QUARTERS ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR BY MARK KHAN As many people may have seen recently on television the Army Basing Project responsible for the construction of new service

1 LARKHILL MARRIED QUARTERS ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR BY MARK KHAN As many people may have seen recently on television the Army Basing Project responsible for the construction of new service accommodation required at Larkhill, Perham Down, Bulford & Tidworth has uncovered significant archaeological remains. At the Larkhill site along with more traditional archeological features, a previously unknown set of First World War Training trenches complete with a deep tunnel system has been discovered. The area where the trenches and tunnels are located have been subjected to a thorough investigation from an archaeological perspective prior to development taking place. A 100% clearance of area of all recognizable archaeological remains has taken place. In all, at the Larkhill site some 8km of trenches were uncovered along with significant deep subterranean military tunnels. It was not practically possible within the timeframe and costs to excavate all the features archaeologically, but the field archaeology service provider - Wessex Archaeology has ensured significant features were archaeologically excavated when identified, with the remainder of the site being excavated mechanically, but still with as much care as possible. Prior to the field archaeology excavation taking place, from a project perspective, the area where the trenches were discovered were thought not have had any significant military use. As such, the discovery of the trench system was un-expected. As the excavations progressed the discovery of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and underground tunnel features also became apparent. A view of one of the excavated tunnels. Some were as deep as 10m, but on average most were approximately 6m deep Mark Khan

2 A trench map showing the system, following the conventions of WW1 trench maps - British lines are marked in blue, German in Red Mark Khan

3 An aerial view of the site. Some of the zig zag communication trenches can be seen as dark lines in the chalk Mark Khan

An example of some of the graffiti found within the tunnels. This was written by L/Cpl Benjamin Burke D Company 34th Battalion Australian Imperial Force.

4 An example of some of the graffiti found within the tunnels. This was written by L/Cpl Benjamin Burke D Company 34th Battalion Australian Imperial Force. L/Cpl Burke was killed on 12 October 1917 at Passchendaele. His brother Edward was killed 3 days earlier. They both lie close together at Dochy Farm new British Cemetery in Belgium. Mark Khan From a First World War training perspective, both UXO and the possible existence of tunnels could have been expected. The value of consulting with Conservation Groups is highlighted here as it was known within the Conservation Group that this area had historically been utilized as a field firing area. As a result of this, the existence of UXO could have been predicted along with the likelihood of underground features associated with the trench system. Unfortunately, no such consultation with the Conservation Group took place. It is hoped that any such future projects will incorporate consultation with conservation Groups. As the excavations progressed, the scale of the trenches and underground features became apparent. A contemporary map showing the system was also uncovered and aided understanding of the site. A wealth of artifacts, including food tins, military equipment and personal items were found. As previously mentioned, some unexploded ordnance was also required to be dealt with. Within the tunnels and trenches a significant amount of graffiti was also discovered. From this it has been possible to track the fate of several individuals who had carved their names and other details written on or carved into the chalk. A full post excavation report is being prepared and research will be carried out on all aspects. It will make fascinating reading when published. This project has demonstrated how seriously the archaeology of the Great War is now taken. Only relatively few years ago this would not have been considered archaeology and in all likelihood the site would simply have been bulldozed. As a result, archaeology work, much is now being learned about how the Salisbury Plain area contributed to the eventual victory that was the outcome of the Great War. During the First World War, thousands of men who were part of the British and Commonwealth armed forces trained at Salisbury Plain before going on to serve in the various theatres of war. One of the many myths about the First World War is that men were sent to war badly trained and equipped. As a result of research and archaeological investigation taking place, it is becoming possible to properly erase this myth and to understand more about the training that took place during the First World War.

A display of artefacts found at the site Mark Khan The significant training features uncovered at Larkhill, along with records that exist prove that

This was carried out at an individual level as well as at major unit level.

5 A display of artefacts found at the site Mark Khan The significant training features uncovered at Larkhill, along with records that exist prove that a great deal of effort was invested in training men before they went to war. This was carried out at an individual level as well as at major unit level. This training was carried out very much as is performed today and demonstrates the common thread exists between those that trained here during and our Armed Forces that still do so today. May 2017 A 1923 dated map clearly showing the location as part of a field firing area. Mark Khan

Evidence for the use of bronze mining tools in the Bronze Age copper mines on the Great Orme, Llandudno

Evidence for the use of bronze mining tools in the Bronze Age copper mines on the Great Orme, Llandudno Background The possible use of bronze mining tools has been widely debated since the discovery of