‘Lost’ Welsh village unearthed by injured Military personnel
Injured military personnel have taken part in a ground-breaking project inWaleswhich uses archaeology to help their recovery.
Serving personnel and veterans worked alongside experienced archaeologists from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO),Defence Archaeology Group (DAG) and the University of Leicester (UofL), during the excavation of the village of Dinham at Caerwent Training Area.
The two-week dig, uncovered important buildings that used to form part of the medieval village, which is mentioned in the Domesday Book. A manor house, church and burial ground were among the features that were searched for.
This latest excavation followed on from similar work at the training area last April, which unearthed parts of a Roman building.
The event is part of Operation Nightingale, a programme established by DIO and DAG, which helps Service personnel injured on operations, including inAfghanistan, return to their regiment or prepare for civilian life.
Most personnel who take part in Operation Nightingale are serving, but there are also a number of injured veterans on the programme. The participants have suffered a broad spectrum of injuries including physical and psychological trauma.
Not only does the project benefit those taking part, it is also contributes to theMinistry of Defence’s commitment to preserving and maintaining heritage assets. Remains found during the dig at Caerwent are being recorded so they can be protected for the future.
Phil Abramson, DIO’s Environmental Advisor said:
“There are long-standing connections between the profession of archaeology and the military. This work not only helps aid the recovery of injured Service personnel but is also of great historical value.”
Sgt Diarmaid Walshe, who is also a qualified archaeologist, said:
“The feedback from Service personnel who have attended the programme so far is that every single one has enjoyed themselves and gained a positive experience that has helped their recovery.
“The key to the success of the project is that the military personnel undertake many different activities, from digging to surveying, photography and finds processing. The programme gives them something useful to do which can help rebuild their self-esteem, provide them with a sense of purpose and give them something positive to strive for. “
Professor Simon James of the University of Leicester said:
“We are pleased to be lending our continued support to Operation Nightingale which offers unique opportunities for both the soldiers and the students of the University of Leicester who are working together on the dig.
“Operation Nightingale projects like this give injured soldiers the chance to build on their military skills to explore a novel and rewarding activity, our students help teach them archaeological techniques, while learning from the soldiers how to look after themselves in the field.”
Operation Nightingale has won a British Archaeological Award in recognition of its innovative use of archaeological work to boost the recovery and career prospects of inured military personnel.
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Press enquiries to Emma Sloper, Communications Officer on 0121 311 2418 or email emma.sloper100@mod.uk
DIO website: www.gov.uk/dio
Notes to Editors
1. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) plays a vital role in supporting our Armed Forces by building, maintaining and servicing what the men and women who serve our country need to live, work, train and deploy on operations.
2. DIO is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is responsible for managing and maintaining land and properties, as well as providing related support services, to meet the current and future needs of the MOD and personnel at home and abroad, and to support current operations.
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 Rifles is the largest infantry regiment in the British Army, consisting of five regular and two territorial battalions.
5. Defence Archaeology Group has been set up to help oversee Operation Nightingale, to help harness and raise the awareness of service personal in matters connected with archaeology and heritage. For more information visit www.dmasuk.org
6. Photograph credit: Rich Bennett (L) a former Royal Marine, and Phil Abramson, a DIO archaeologist, taking part in the dig. (Crown Copyright / MOD2014)
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