Revealing the vital role of the New Forest in the First World War
PUBLISHED ON: 2 FEBRUARY 2016Little survives today of the industries, camps, hospitals and training areas which took over the Forest during the Great War of 1914 to 1918 and the impact it had on local residents.
Working with local history groups, archaeologists at the New Forest National Park Authority have gathered photos, documents and personal accounts of how the Forest was transformed as it played a vital role in the war effort.
They are available to view at a New Forest Remembers WWI exhibition at the New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst, from Saturday 6 February to 1 May and on an online archive www.newforestheritage.org. The exhibition panels will then tour other New Forest venues during 2016.
This project builds on the successful World War II project run by the National Park Authority and supported by ExxonMobil and Heritage Lottery Fund.
WWI project officer Gareth Owen said: ‘With the start of World War I in 1914, thousands of British troops were recalled from across the Empire and locations were needed to accommodate them across the south coast near to the ports of Portsmouth and Southampton, so many ended up in the Forest.
‘There are stories of columns of marching soldiers heading off from camps in Lyndhurst to Southampton docks where they boarded ships to go off to war; of over 21,000 troops from India and New Zealand convalescing in make-shift hospitals at Brockenhurst; the Royal Flying Corps stationed at East Boldre; and even a training school for dogs who carried vital messages in battle.’
Alison Jones, Community Affairs Manager at ExxonMobil, said: ‘As a major employer in the New Forest area, ExxonMobil at Fawley is committed to investing in community projects and initiatives in the region. We’re delighted that we can support this First World War project to help highlight the New Forest’s significant role a century ago and would like to thank all the community groups who have contributed to the exhibition and online archive.’
WWI and WWII stories and other findings are available via the growing online interactive archive www.newforestheritage.org. People can register online to share their findings and contribute to telling the Forest’s story during World War I or are free to browse the wealth of information already uploaded.
-ends-
Notes to Editors:
The groups which contributed to the exhibition are:
- Brockenhurst a WW1 Hospital Village
- East Boldre Village Hall Society
- Fordingbridge First World War Centenary Committee
- Maritime Archaeology Trust
- Redlynch and District Local History Society
- Emery Down Lychgate Project
- Waterside Heritage Group
- Sally Arnold, Ashurst and Colbury Historian
Picture caption: Lyndhurst Camp c 1914. Credit Angela Trend
Supported by:
About the New Forest National Park Authority
Protect – Enjoy – Prosper
The New Forest National Park Authority’s statutory purposes are to:
- Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park – Protect
- Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities — Enjoy.
We also have a duty to:
- Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park — Prosper.
The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its
unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies,
cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a
spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet
recreation, enjoyment and discovery.
Visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk to find out more.
Media Contacts: Hilary Makin, Communications Manager, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646608
