A MILITARY training camp is aiming to create an on-site museum after finding a forgotten First World War trench and a rare gun turret on its land.
Captain Harry Roy, Commanding Officer of Barry Buddon Training Camp, came across the forgotten area on old documents and decided to investigate.
He found a First World War trench system and a Second World War gun turret.
They were badly overgrown and hidden away, having last been maintained in 2006.
The turret — which is known as an ‘Allan Williams’ — is in a severely dilapidated state.
There were once nearly 200 built across the UK but due to the passage of time and metal salvaging, as few as 30 now remain.
Captain Roy said he was excited about the discovery.
The camp, near Carnoustie, has been training generations of youngsters for more than 100 years.
But a plan has now been hatched to expand the camp’s purpose, by using these abandoned trenches for education.
Captain Roy saw an opportunity to redevelop the area and boost the links that Barry Buddon has with the local community.
He added: “It’s in pretty poor condition to be completely honest but it wouldn’t be impossible to restore it to its former glory.
“I’m waiting to hear about tapping into some of our conservation funding. We could get about £20,000 potentially.
“We’re waiting to hear. It’s a very rare turret and system and would be an asset to the camp to restore it.
“We want to use cattle and sheep to graze the land and naturally clear the area first, by fencing them in.
“And army reserve units will then help to clear and start work on restoration.
“Initially we will use it for the cadets coming in to teach them about the history of the camp and its historical context.
“We plan to put information boards up and restore the turret and trench to the way it used to be — it would be a great way to help people understand the experience of trench warfare.
“And we’d look to develop it further and open it up to the local community eventually.
“It’s all about community engagement really.
“There are already volunteers who participate in the conservation side of Barry Buddon and we’re always looking at ways to boost our links to the community.
“So far people are looking on it favourably. I think it will be a big asset to the camp.”
Captain Roy is optimistic that the project will be completed in 12 to 18 months time.
