Wednesday 8 May 2013

Rothbury Training Trenches

On the moors above Rothbury are a series of World War One training trenches which were dug by the 18th (Service) Battalion (1st Tyneside Pioneers) Northumberland Fusiliers.


Rothbury Training Trenches location

Rothbury Training trenches from the air

The 18th (Service) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers were formed on 14th October 1914 by the Mayor of Newcastle and the City. Initially billeted in Jesmond they trained at the County Cricket Ground before moving the Rothbury in December 1914.

The Battalion were informed that they would become pioneers 29th January 1915, with many of the soldiers being ex miners they were well suited to the task. On the 18th February 1915 the unit was officially designated 18th (Service) Battalion (1st Tyneside Pioneers) Northumberland Fusiliers.


18th (Service) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers
County Hotel Rothbury 1915


"County Hotel" Rothbury 2013

Whilst at Rothbury the Battalion trained in the infantry role, as well as their pioneer specialism.

"Lord Armstrong kindly made us free of the moorland above the town, a position on which was selected and each company was given a length of front to prepare for defence.”
Historical Records of the 18th Battalion NF

Rothbury Training Trenches


World War One Trench

Rothbury Training Trenches
Entering the trench system via communications trench
Rothbury Training Trenches
Dugout



Rothbury Training Trenches
In the trenches
 
The Battalion left Rothbury 21st June 1915 for Cramlington. In June 1915 they became the 34th Division's pioneer battalion joining the Tyneside Irish and Scottish Brigades, landing in Le Havre France in January 1916.

Information

Trenches Excavation

Flash Earth