In the bootsteps of their ancestors – experiences from the military community
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 2019-01-12

With their own costumes, language, traditions and ranks – the military community is almost tribal in its nature. There is very definite identity and particular ethos and cultural heritage. Although living around and training over some of the most important archaeological landscapes in the UK, many of these individuals have felt that they have not had access to heritage other than Regimental traditions. Yet archaeology can empower, and the presence of such rich military heritage as part of the archaeological palimpsest provides the perfect access to engagement and to a wholly new appreciation of the landscapes in which they live. Connections provided by the excavations of ‘warriors with spear heads and shield bosses' are palpable but unearthing the remains of old training camps and practice trenches are even more inspirational. This consideration becomes almost reverential when the same people work on archaeological sites of their military forebears, on sites which are familiar to them on their Regimental colours, of Somme, Ypres, Arras and others. Following in the bootsteps of their ancestors is a powerful experience for this community and this paper will explore the power of proximity and how heritage of the modern can inspire and provide new insights. 

Richard Osgood, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Ministry of Defence