Archaeological Discovery Reveals More than 175 World War II Training Sessions Hidden on English Playground
A team of archaeologists and local residents in England has made a groundbreaking discovery on a humble playground in the village of Ashwell, Cambridgeshire. Excavation of the site has uncovered over 175 training sessions from World War II, shedding new light on the area’s wartime history and providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives of local residents during a time of conflict.
The playground, situated on a small patch of land known as "The Recreation Grounds," has been in use for over 90 years, but its wartime significance was largely forgotten until local historians began investigating the site’s past. With the help of English Heritage and Cambridgeshire County Council, a thorough excavation of the site was conducted in 2022, uncovering a remarkable trove of historical artifacts and records.
Among the many findings were fragments of uniform buttons, old military insignia, and various types of ordnance and equipment. Of particular significance, however, were the remains of several practice trenches, gun emplacements, and even a section of an anti-tank ditch – all built to train soldiers and civilians alike for the expected invasion of the United Kingdom by Germany.
"These discoveries are an incredible reminder of the role our community played in defending our nation during World War II," said John Smith, Chairman of the Ashwell Parish Council. "The Recreation Grounds was always seen as a simple playground, but now we understand its importance as a vital training ground for the war effort."
According to the excavators, the training sessions on the site were carried out by a local Home Guard unit, comprised of men from the village and surrounding areas. These volunteer soldiers would gather at the playground to practice their marksmanship, anti-tank defense techniques, and first aid skills. The unit also hosted drills, marches, and other military exercises to keep its members ready for potential battle.
One of the most fascinating finds was a buried document dated October 1942, outlining a series of exercises to be carried out by the Home Guard. The document included plans for an invasion rehearsal, where volunteers would practice repelling an enemy invasion by building barriers, deploying searchlights, and setting up a command center. The level of detail and planning evident in this document underscores the significance of the Recreation Grounds as a wartime training hub.
As the archaeological team continues to analyze and catalog the many finds, they hope to shed even more light on the daily lives of Ashwell’s residents during World War II. With plans to establish a museum or heritage center at the site, local residents are thrilled to learn more about their village’s remarkable role in the war effort.
In the words of local resident Emily Brown, who helped uncover some of the training sessions, "It’s incredible to think about all the young men from our village who spent their free time training here, preparing to defend our country. We’re honored to have made this discovery and to share the story with our community and beyond."
As England’s playground becomes a gateway to the past, this extraordinary archaeological find is sure to inspire future generations to appreciate the sacrifices made by ordinary people in extraordinary times.
