Archaeology project on Salisbury Plain wins top MOD award
An innovative project using archaeology to aid the recovery of military personnel injured in Afghanistan, has scooped two more prestigious awards.
‘Operation Nightingale’ received a British Archaeological award back in July and can proudly add theMinistry of Defence’s (MOD) Sanctuary Award to the list.
Unique and hugely successful, the project won the award in the Heritage Projects category, beating off tough competition from entries nationwide. It also acquired the Silver Otter trophy – awarded to the overall Sanctuary winner.
Soldiers from the Rifles, injured on Operation Herrick, unearthed an astonishing 27 bodies – including Anglo-Saxon warriors - buried with a range of personal possessions. The project is led by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the Army.
Artefacts uncovered from the sixth-century burial site at Barrow Clump, included shield bosses, broaches, amber and glass beads, spear heads, a silver ring, and a wooden drinking vessel with bronze bands.
Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) Senior Historic Advisor, Richard Osgood said:
“The team is thrilled to have won this award coming so soon after having been given a British Archaeology Award as a project of special merit. It is wonderful to see the endeavours of all of those on the project, the Rifleman in particular, being acknowledged both by external stakeholders and now also within the MOD. As the group builds on its experience we look forward to many future interesting projects to support heritage requirements within Defence.”
Representing the Sanctuary Award Board Marcus Yeo, Chief Executive of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), said:
“I have been a member of the judging panel for the Sanctuary Awards for several years, and I am always impressed by the breadth and quality of environmental work undertaken on MOD property. This year has been no exception and it was a hard task to select award winners from such a diverse range of high-quality submissions.”
Ends
Further information:
Press enquiries to Tony Moran, Senior Communications Officer 0121 311 3879 or email tony.moran572@mod.uk DIO website: http://www.mod.uk/dio
Notes to Editors
1. The Sanctuary Awards are organised, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), by Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).
2. DIO is part of the MOD. It is responsible for managing and maintaining land and properties to meet the current and future needs of the MOD and personnel at home and abroad, and support current operations.Its work includes providing, supporting and improving: operational units; single living and service family accommodation; training areas and historic military sites. DIO actively manages these to ensure the needs of Defence are met, value for money is achieved, our heritage is protected and to achieve our environmental goals.
3. DIO was formed on 1 April 2011 when the former Defence Estates (DE) organisation was brought together with other property and infrastructure functions within department to form a single organisation. DIO manages the MOD’s property infrastructure and ensures strategic management of the Defence estate as a whole.
4. The Sanctuary Awards aim to recognise and encourage group and individual efforts that benefit wildlife, archaeology, environmental improvement or community awareness of conservation on or within land and property that MOD owns or uses in theUK or overseas.
5. For imagery, please visit the Defence Imagery website at www.defenceimagery.mod.uk
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