DARTMOOR?S importance in the training of soldiers will be emphasised when Okehampton Army Camp opens its gates to the public for the first time in living memory next month.
During the weekend of September 11 and 12, people will be able to tour the site, built in 1893 to support artillery training on Dartmoor, learning more about the contribution the moor makes to our national defence.
Okehampton was the first purpose-built training camp and was originally constructed with stables for 700 horses, tent terraces for the men and mess halls for each battery.
Visitors will be able to compare how soldiers lived 100 years ago with conditions today.
Jeeps, lorries and equipment from the second world war will be displayed by the Military Vehicle Trust. Mock battles will be fought and convoys made around the loop road.
Rifles and pistols through the ages will be displayed with members of the Devon Ranges Shooting Club on hand to give advice.
The Tyne and Tees Regiment, in Okehampton on their annual camp, will display their weapons, and cadets will demonstrate their skills on the obstacle course and laser rifle trainer.
The Dartmoor National Park Authorities Moor Memories oral history project will give an audio presentation on recollections of the war on Dartmoor. Guides will lead walks onto the moor at 2pm each day to visit sites used by the military over the last 200 years.
Entry is free to the event which is part of the Civic Trust?s Heritage Open Days and ample car parking will be available.
Dartmoor Railway will be providing a link with Exeter on the Sunday and on Saturday evening there will be a 40s night on the train, complete with dinner and wine.
Commandant of the Dartmoor Training Area Lt Col Tony Clark said the weekend promised excitement and interest for all the family: ?It will give the military the opportunity to explain why Dartmoor is so important to the training of our soldiers.
?Army training officers will be in our new information centre to explain how we encourage public access and care for the national park and to give personal thanks for the public?s support to our armed forces.?