Reasons for Designation
The Army Training Estate Otterburn (ATEO) is one of seven Army Field
Training centres in the UK and is the largest single live firing area in
the country. It has been operational since 1911 when the War Office
acquired about 20,000 acres (8094ha) of land in Redesdale, Northumberland
to create a seasonal tented camp and artillery range for the training of
the newly formed Territorial Forces. The pattern of artillery firing,
from Easter to October, fitted in with local sheep farming practices, and
byelaws to control access during live firing periods were introduced in
1916. A period of intense training occurred during World War I to prepare
both artillery and infantry units for war, including the construction of a
sector of front line trenches at Silloans to practice infantry companies
in the routines of defence, control of overhead artillery fire and relief
in the line. After World War I the previous pattern of training was
restored and continued to 1939, the only change being that from horse
drawn to lorry drawn guns in 1938. During World War II, the training area
doubled in size with the acquisition and subsequent purchase of a further
20,000 acres to create a second Artillery Range and camp at Otterburn. In
1959 the Ranges were re-named as an All Arms Training Area, and five
infantry fire and manoeuver areas at Quickeningcote, Wilkwood, Davyshiel,
Sills and Heely Dodd were constructed under the Thurlow Plan. From 1969
Otterburn was designated as one of seven Principal Training Areas in the
UK and became increasingly used for fire and manoeuver training by
infantry units supported by artillery, mortars, guided missiles and air to
ground attack aircraft. Developments since 1969 have included the
construction of another battle shooting area at Ridleeshope and a moving
target railway system at Stone in the Mire for engagement by wire guided
anti-tank missiles.
Details
The monument includes the earthwork and buried remains of a sector of
World War I practice trenches situated on level ground at the Otterburn
Army Training Estate. They were excavated on land acquired by the War
Office in 1912 to form the Redesdale Artillery Range. Their primary
purpose was to train infantry companies in the routine of defence, control
of overhead artillery fire and relief in the line during World War I.
The trenches, which face northwards, are visible as a series of earthworks
covering an area of about 240m north west to south east by 150m north east
to south west. The plan of the trenches, which is best appreciated from
the air, includes a front line fire trench, a support, or reserve, line
and associated communications trenches.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
32784
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals Other
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
