The landlocked county of Wiltshire, characterised by its high downland
and wide valleys, has a rich military history that stretches back
through the centuries. Evidence of Wiltshire's military heritage can be
seen throughout the county with numerous buildings and other structures
still standing today, from ancient hillforts and medieval castles to
military bases used in two world wars and the present day, as well as
the army's training area on Salisbury Plain. Wiltshire's Military
Heritage explores the long military history of the county, not only the
battles that took place on its soil, including between warring
Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and Danish invaders and during the English Civil
War, but also the measures that were taken to defend it against possible
attack. It also covers the heritage of the military units that were
raised in the county and which were sent to fight in conflicts abroad.
The Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry was originally raised in 1794 and fought in
the Boer War and both world wars, and is part of the Royal Wessex
Yeomanry based in Wiltshire today. Wiltshire's airfields played a
significant role in both world wars, including during the Battle of
Britain, and in recent years the town of Wootton Bassett became Royal
Wootton Bassett because of its role in military funeral repatriations.
This book will be of interest to all those who would like to know more
about Wiltshire's remarkable military history.
