Messines Terrain Model

'Evening chaps,

The Messines terrain model has been added to the Schedule of Ancient Monuments by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England:

World War I instruction model of a trench system, and associated earthwork and building remains 850m north west of Fairoak Cottages, Cannock Chase - 1021326| Historic England

Name: World War I instruction model of a trench system, and associated earthwork and building remains 850m north west of Fairoak Cottages, Cannock Chase

List entry Number: 1021326



'The monument includes the earthwork and buried remains of a World War I instruction model of a trench system, and associated earthworks and building remains. The model of the trench system and the adjacent building formed a part of Rugeley Camp, one of two army camps established during World War I on Cannock Chase. Rugeley Camp and the other camp at Brockton, about 3km to the north west, served initially as transit camps for troops en route to the Western Front. As the war progressed both camps became more permanent training establishments, with a steady influx of troops from all over the country, including those dispatched from the Empire countries. Together the two camps could have accommodated about 40,000 men. Various schools of instruction were established at the camps, which provided training in the use of rifles and machine guns, and courses in scouting, signalling and gas warfare. At Brockton Camp teaching facilities included a scale model of Messines Ridge, constructed out of concrete.'

CS

 

CS,
Nice to see Historical Heritage preserved for posterity, especially with WW1 being in the spotlight.
Thanks for the post.
Regards
Tom