The conditions could not have been more perfect for 28 Dartmoor Society members when we arrived at Okehampton Camp at 9am sharp on the morning of Wednesday 6th June 2018.
It was no surprise to us that our day had been arranged with complete military precision from the provision of car passes and somewhere for us all to park, refreshments on arrival and a first-class slide presentation provided by Lt Col Crispin d’Apice.
This was ably followed by a fascinating tour of the Camp itself conducted by LT Col (retired) Tony Clark OBE who showed us the original horse stables, the old artillery Guard House and much more.
After this we were introduced to Mark Bullock who showed us around the Camp Museum before we set off walking up to OP22 ably led by Paul Fletcher.
We were given a fascinating insight into the procedures involved with a military training firing day and the views were absolutely spectacular.
Also, on the North Moor Willsworthy and Merrivale Ranges are used and on the South Moor dry training is conducted on Cramber Tor, Ringmor and Sheeps Tor.
This special visit was arranged to commemorate the final centenary year of the First World War and it was an absolute treat to be given such an in-depth insight into the special role the Military play in this unique place we call Dartmoor.