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Salisbury PlainHome of Britain's Military Training Henry Buckton At over 94,000 acres (38,000) hectares, Salisbury Plain is the UK's largest military training area. This book examines how the military has used and developed the area since the land was first purchased towards the end of the nineteenth century. During both world wars this extensive tract of land was utilized by British, Commonwealth and American troops. It has seen major changes in the organisation of the army; witnessed the testing and development of numerous weapon systems; and was the birthplace of Britain's military aviation. The Plain was also central to the development of tank warfare, and Larkhill has become synonymous with the Royal Artillery.
At some point in their career, the vast majority of British service personnel will spend time in the area of Salisbury Plain. The British armed forces are respected the world over, for their training, discipline and professionalism, and for many, Salisbury Plain is where it all begins. As an ex member of No. 4626 (County of Wiltshire) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, the author has probably walked along more of Wiltshire's lanes and chalky tracks than many native born Wiltshire men, so when he was asked to write this book, he felt both intrigued to discover more, and qualified to do so.
Published by Phillimore ISBN: 978 1 86077 494 2 |
