A THOUSAND people poured through the gates of Okehampton Army Camp last weekend as it opened to the public for the first time in living memory.
The event was part of the Civic Trust Heritage Open Days giving people an opportunity to learn more about the contribution that the moor makes to our national defence and the efforts to defend it by the military.
Okehampton Camp was built in 1893 to support artillery training on Dartmoor and the public were able to compare how soldiers lived 100 years ago with conditions today.
Displays of jeeps, lorries and equipment from the Second World War, many on show for the first time by the Military Vehicle Trust, formed a fascinating centre point and mock battles were fought and convoys made around the camp?s loop road.
Weapons and equipment was displayed by the Tyne and Tees Regiment and local soldiers and cadets demonstrated skills on an obstacle course and laser rifle trainer.
Lt Col Clark said it was a delight to have the opportunity to show local people what the military did and the enthusiasm of the various organisations involved was wonderful.