New book tells Catterick’s military story
Military history buffs will be able to learn all about the history of the sizeable military presence at Catterick thanks to a new book.
From Farms to Arms: The History of Catterick Military Training Area has been released this year to commemorate the centenary both of the use of Catterick by the military and of World War One.
Contributors include Phil Abramson, an archaeologist at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), and Nancy Tanner, a museum professional and Army wife who became interested in Catterick while living at the Garrison with her husband.
The book, which has been many years in the making, tells the story of the history of the training area from 1904, when the site of the garrison was chosen, until the present day. The garrison and nearby training area currently occupies over 20,000 acres.
The 136 pages are divided into chapters on local history, ecology, geology, archaeology, historic buildings, and conservation. It includes many maps and photographs, both archive and modern.
Phil Abramson said:
“Several years ago this book was an idea waiting for its time to come. With support from the DIO, the backing of the Catterick Conservation Group, and the expertise of numerous people, the idea gradually turned into reality.
“Nancy Tanner, the principal editor, did the lion’s share of the research, and Jo East of Landmarc Support Services steered the book through the design and proofing stages. From its inception to completion, it has truly been a team effort and I hope that the finished result reflects the generous contributions of time and information from the numerous contributors.”
The book is on sale for £10, which covers printing costs but does not provide a profit, and can be purchased at local shops including the Catterick garrison Tesco store, the Green Howards Regimental Museum and the Richmondshire Museum and various bookshops in Richmond.
Ends
Notes to Editors
Further information:
Press enquiries to Tony Moran, Senior Communications Officer 0121 311 3879 or email tony.moran572@mod.uk
DIO website: www.gov.uk/dio
Twitter: @mod_dio
Read DIO’s blog: https://insidedio.blog.gov.uk/
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) Our work includes supporting operational units by providing and improving 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, and its heritage is protected, and to achieve its environmental goals.
4) Author biographies:
Phil Abramson has worked for 10 years in the DIO Historic Environment Team. He is based at Catterick Garrison and provides advice to colleagues on the management of the numerous historic sites and monuments that are located on MOD land. He has a keen interest in both prehistoric and later archaeology and contributed to the chapter on archaeological sites on Catterick Training Area. His idea to produce a book was supported by the local Conservation Group who recognised the importance of commemorating 100 years of military training at Catterick.
Nancy Tanner is a qualified museum professional with more than 12 years’ experience of working within the museum and heritage sector. Her career has provided extensive experience of curatorial and conservation practice, and she acts as an advisor and Trustee for an Army Museum in York. In addition, she is married to a serving Army officer and became interested in the history of the area while living at Catterick garrison.
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