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0:00:04 > 0:00:06- By the end of WW2...
0:00:07 > 0:00:12- ..the War Office owned - 10% of the surface area of Wales.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- Today, that figure is around 1%.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21- But the scars carved - on the landscapes and communities...
0:00:21 > 0:00:26- ..during the first half of - the 20th century are still visible.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32- I'm looking at the acquisition - of land for military training.
0:00:32 > 0:00:37- Some believe it was no more than - an arrogant and insensitive act...
0:00:37 > 0:00:40- ..on behalf of the government.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- Others believe it - to be absolutely necessary...
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- ..to assist in the defence - from potential invasion.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21- Substantial parts of Wales - continue to be bombed and shelled...
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- ..for military training purposes...
0:01:24 > 0:01:29- ..deemed necessary - to keep the army on its toes...
0:01:30 > 0:01:33- ..and accustomed - to the latest technology.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- The Sennybridge Camp - and Army Field Centre...
0:01:38 > 0:01:40- ..is the other side of this fence.
0:01:40 > 0:01:45- At 37,000 acres, it's - the largest surface area of Wales...
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- ..acquisitioned by - the Ministry of Defence.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51- The site has been - in existence since WW2.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- However, the practice of - land acquisition by the military...
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- ..goes back 100 years earlier.
0:02:01 > 0:02:06- In 1853, the owners - of Aldershot Heath in Hampshire...
0:02:06 > 0:02:11- ..sold 10,000 acres - to the King for 12 an acre.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- Soon after, - a brick barracks was built...
0:02:16 > 0:02:21- ..which became home to soldiers - returning from the Crimean War.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26- That war instigated establishing - the Penally Training Camp...
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- ..in the south of Pembrokeshire, - in 1860.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- The camp is still operational.
0:02:32 > 0:02:38- Its purpose was to train soldiers - to handle the latest muskets...
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- ..technology which advanced - substantially during the war.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- But the camp's actual location - is significant.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52- Tenby is a little over two miles - in that direction.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58- The ports of Haverfordwest - and Milford Haven are over that way.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00- And that's no coincidence.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- Because during the 19th century...
0:03:03 > 0:03:08- ..establishing coastal military - camps was an absolute priority.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13- They were of course, - strategically important locations.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- The French navy was still a threat.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- In 1797, the French navy - that landed in Pembrokeshire...
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- ..posed no real threat.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31- But the mere fact it did so - without facing much opposition...
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- ..was serious cause for concern.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38- By the late 19th century - and early 20th century...
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- ..the focus began to shift away - from coastal defence.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46- Wars were now - more likely to be fought overseas.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- Following the first - Boer War in South Africa...
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- ..the Military Lands Act - was passed in 1892.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- For the first time, - the Secretary of State...
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- ..had the power to acquisition land - for military training purposes.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- "A Secretary of State - may purchase land..."
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- "A volunteer corps may..."
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- "The council - of a county or borough may..."
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- "..any portion - of Her Majesty's military forces."
0:04:17 > 0:04:22- During the Boer War, on - the wide expanse of the Transvaal...
0:04:22 > 0:04:27- ..it was clear that heavy cannons - were now a key feature of war.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- The battlefield could potentially - stretch over vast distances.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37- Military training ranges - to match this scale were required.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- In 1906, using the powers - of the Military Lands Act...
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- ..the War Office bought land - from the Glanllyn estate...
0:04:51 > 0:04:53- ..south of Trawsfynydd...
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- ..to establish - a training camp there.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- Eight years later, - WW1 broke out in Europe.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05- The training that took place here...
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- ..was tailored to match what - the soldiers would likely face...
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- ..in the sodden trenches - of France and Belgium.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- Parts of the training site - are still visible.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29- As well as the existing bridges, - such as Cain Bridge...
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- ..the War Office - commissioned new, ad hoc bridges...
0:05:33 > 0:05:38- ..that could withstand the weight - of heavy vehicles and equipment.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- This is an interesting place.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50- It's a training site - for throwing hand grenades.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- They are - concrete-fortified trenches.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- The shape gave the soldiers - queuing for their turn...
0:05:58 > 0:06:03- ..protection from those - who were throwing grenades.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- From an observatory...
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- ..officers viewed - who could throw grenades...
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- ..the furthest - and most accurately...
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- ..as they aimed for hoops - in the ground - something like this.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- I'll just pretend to pull the pin!
0:06:30 > 0:06:35- Local historian Keith O'Brien - takes visitors around the site.
0:06:36 > 0:06:37- Are you getting good shots?
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- Are you getting good shots?- - Not bad! It's rather cold here.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- You're a photographer - and a historian.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51- It's the perfect combination - for researching old ruins!
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- People wonder what on earth it is.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- They imagine it's a sheep pen - or something.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- But there's more to it.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- There are many here, but - I don't know exactly what they are.
0:07:07 > 0:07:08- What is it?
0:07:08 > 0:07:09- What is it?- - This is fascinating.
0:07:10 > 0:07:16- I was fortunate enough to meet - a crowd of experts on militaria.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- Ropes or wires extended - from here to the targets.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26- It was similar - to a train junction box...
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- ..pulling different levers.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- The targets popped up - and they took aim.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- What about the damage - to the landscape and to the farms?
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- There were a dozen farms - and smallholdings here.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- The tenants had lived off - the land for decades...
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- ..certainly generations.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54- They were forced to leave at 8am - to go to a tent on the mountainside.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- They couldn't return to their homes - until 7 or 8 in the evening.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- That's when they carried out - their daily chores.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08- What about decommissioning the land? - They had bomb disposal units here.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- Yes, up until the 1980s.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- A bomb disposal unit - would come here.
0:08:15 > 0:08:21- They often gathered up to three tons - of mortars, grenades and shells.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- That's the reason for choosing - this land in the first place.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- It was so peaty.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- The shells hit the peat - at this kind of trajectory...
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- ..and over time, - they worked themselves up.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- That's why so many were collected.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- As well as the ignition bunkers...
0:08:44 > 0:08:49- ..there are 21 telephone boxes - dotted across the site.
0:08:49 > 0:08:54- I'll put my bag down - and explain what happened here.
0:08:55 > 0:09:00- They used crocodile clips - to attach a phone to the two cables.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- They were connected. - "Hello, sir? I'm in position."
0:09:04 > 0:09:09- Senior officers gave them - the all-clear to fire.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- It was a fantastic system.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- They were as effective - as latter-day mobile phones.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- There's no signal here!
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- There's no signal here!- - This would solve that problem!
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- What happened in Trawsfynydd - broke new ground.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31- Only one other British camp - pioneered in field communication.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- Trawsfynydd playing a part - in the British war machine...
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- ..is not something to boast about.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- But the history has definitely - enriched popular culture...
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- ..and has been the source - of fascinating stories.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- They'll disappear if not chronicled.
0:09:51 > 0:09:56- Whatever your opinion, it would be - a shame if they'd be lost forever.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- The camp developed after the war.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- The village of Bronaber - grew around it.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- It was known locally as Tintown.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- Today, nature is doing its work.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- It's slowly returning - to its former glory.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- Can you hear that?
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- Silence... well, - apart from the wind.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- But there is still firing - in other parts of Wales.
0:10:33 > 0:10:33- .
0:10:38 > 0:10:38- Subtitles
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- I'm tracing the history of land - acquisition for military training.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55- There was some opposition - to the early acquisitions...
0:10:55 > 0:10:59- ..but this gathered momentum - by the thirties.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- In 1936, - there were fierce protests...
0:11:03 > 0:11:08- ..when the historical Penyberth farm - was acquisitioned and demolished...
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- ..to make room for a bombing school.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16- The protests reached a head - when the bombing school was torched.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- But as a world war loomed, the - need for land became more urgent.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- Between 1940 and 1943...
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- ..as the Luftwaffe - bombed London...
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- ..Cardiff and Swansea...
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- ..the defence of land acquisition...
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- ..was easy - for the government to justify.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- We know about - the 1892 Military Lands Act.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48- In 1939, another law was passed - to bolster the original law.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- It was the Emergency Powers Defence - Act.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- As it happens, I have a copy here. - Here's what it says.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- "Subject to the provisions of - this section, His Majesty may...
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- "..for securing the public safety, - the defence of the realm...
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- "..and the efficient - prosecution of any war...
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- "..in which His Majesty - may be engaged...
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- "..authorize the taking - or possession or control...
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- "..on behalf of His Majesty, - of any property or undertaking...
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- "..the acquisition on behalf - of His Majesty...
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- "..of any property other than land."
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- It was because of this law...
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- ..that large areas of Wales - were seized during the war.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- In 1940...
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- ..54 families - in Epynt and Bwlch y Groes...
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- ..received - a formal requisition order.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52- They were given two months notice - to leave their farms.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58- The area is still owned - by the Ministry of Defence.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- The firing continues.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- Before I came to London, - I went to Epynt....
0:13:07 > 0:13:13- ..to meet the military historian, - Medwyn Parry, to find out more.
0:13:13 > 0:13:18- It's noisy here, between - the machine guns and cannons.
0:13:18 > 0:13:19- What's going on?
0:13:19 > 0:13:21- What's going on?- - Training.
0:13:22 > 0:13:28- It sounds like - they're firing 155 Howitzers.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- There's a small arms range here.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- There are two ranges on Epynt.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- One for the Infantry, - for small arms training...
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- ..and Artillery, - where they fire big guns.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- Apparently, this place was - targeted long before it opened...
0:13:47 > 0:13:48- ..back in the 1910s.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- Repercussions - from the recent war was ongoing.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- It's not unusual.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- There were similar sites - all over Britain.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- The government was always - on the look out for land.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- This place was available.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11- What made them choose this place?
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- Not many people lived here - in the early 1900s.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- Also, only one road - crossed the range.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- It ticked all the boxes.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- What were the opposing arguments?
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- People obviously don't want - to leave their villages.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- There was a small community here.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- This was the tavern.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- We won't get a pint here today!
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- We won't get a pint here today!- - Unfortunately not!
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- People dislike change.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- Britain was committed - to the war effort in Europe.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- They were turbulent times.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- Things changed incredibly quickly.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- But it was a hard life up here.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06- The mostly elderly population - accepted compensation.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- That happened - in the Trawsfynydd area.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- Some farmers reluctantly sold up - whilst others accepted.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- Everybody knows about this place. - They are open about it.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- Are there top secret sites?
0:15:23 > 0:15:24- Hush hush?
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- Something out of James Bond?!
0:15:27 > 0:15:32- I found it hard to gain access - to Trecwn in Pembrokeshire.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- Access isn't normally a problem.
0:15:36 > 0:15:37- Maps have survived...
0:15:37 > 0:15:42- ..with blanked-out sites - and roads leading to nowhere.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- During the Cold War...
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- ..5,000 sites in Britain - were removed from the map.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54- You see roads and railway tracks - entering a white area.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- Google Earth changed all that. - People can see these areas.
0:15:59 > 0:16:05- There's no point keeping it - off the map.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- Back in London, I've arrived - at The National Archives in Kew.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20- Kew houses more than 11 million - historical documents.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- They date back more - than 1,000 years...
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- ..from the Doomsday Book - to recent government papers.
0:16:27 > 0:16:32- I've come to the maps department, - to study one map specifically.
0:16:35 > 0:16:40- The map wasn't released to - the public until fairly recently...
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- ..in 1978.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- It was top secret.
0:16:46 > 0:16:51- It contains sensitive - and inflammatory information.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- Why inflammatory?
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- The map pinpoints - the Ministry of Defence's designs...
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- ..for the Preseli Mountains - in Pembrokeshire.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09- If we look here - we'll see what they planned to do.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- The green areas...
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- ..for "General Infantry Training" - or foot soldiers.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21- The red areas for "Armoured - Training," tanks and so on.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- The central yellow area...
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- ..was the "Firing" area - for cannons and big guns.
0:17:31 > 0:17:36- As you can see, it covers - the whole of the Preseli Mountains.
0:17:37 > 0:17:42- Can you see how large it is? - 60,000 acres.
0:17:43 > 0:17:48- Six years earlier, they took - 40,000 acres of the Epynt.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- It's no wonder these plans - met such strong objection.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- When the war ended...
0:17:59 > 0:18:04- ..reporting restrictions imposed - on the national press disappeared.
0:18:06 > 0:18:12- The Young Wales Union pressure group - pledged to oppose the plan.
0:18:13 > 0:18:19- Fierce debates took place in council - chambers all over the county.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- It was by no means - unanimously opposed.
0:18:22 > 0:18:27- A few councillors saw the potential - benefits to the local economy.
0:18:27 > 0:18:32- But their voices were drowned out - by the cacophony of opposition.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- In Epynt, the threat - to homes and communities...
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- ..had been used - by those in opposition.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- But another angle was employed - here in Pembrokeshire.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01- There are 37 prehistoric sites - on these mountains...
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- ..megalithic tombs - and burial chambers...
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- ..standing stones and stone circles.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- These cairns - on the summit of Moel Drygarn...
0:19:19 > 0:19:24- ..the graves - on Carn Bica and Foel Feddau...
0:19:25 > 0:19:30- ..the Bedd Arthur stone circle - below the Carn Bica summit...
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- ..and at the foothills...
0:19:33 > 0:19:39- ..the Gors Fawr stone circle - and the two standing stones.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52- But I'm standing on Preseli's - most famous historical site.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58- Known locally as Carn Menyn, - its real name is Carn Meini.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03- This is the source - of the Stonehenge bluestones.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- The stones were transported - all the way from here...
0:20:08 > 0:20:13- ..they carried and buried their - loved ones on these mountaintops.
0:20:13 > 0:20:18- These mountains were incredibly - important to our forefathers...
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- ..and therefore, our heritage.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- The campaign to save Preseli's - prehistoric treasures...
0:20:31 > 0:20:36- ..bolstered the argument - against compulsory possession.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41- Ministry of War civil servants - viewed them as piles of stones.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- But to an army of antiquarians - and archaeologists...
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- ..these were internationally - important sites...
0:20:49 > 0:20:54- ..and bombing them would be - a disgrace and wholly unacceptable.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- But as well as safeguarding - the site...
0:21:01 > 0:21:06- ..protecting the agricultural - community was just as important.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- Cerwyn Davies comes from - a family of mountain shepherds...
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- ..who played a key role - in the local opposition.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- It's lovely here - when it's not so cold!
0:21:21 > 0:21:26- There's a saying locally, - "you won't get a view and a shade!"
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- What is a shepherd's day?
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- To a large degree, - it's very seasonal.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- When we're lambing and shearing - it's hectic.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- There are times - when we're not so busy.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- We do maintenance work on the farms.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- It's an unique way of life.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- This would have disappeared had - the Ministry of War had its own way.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- The area would have been ruined.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04- It was said that 16,000 acres - were under threat.
0:22:05 > 0:22:11- I believe that the plan - targeted 204 farms.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- From those, - 105 would have been demolished.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- In a 1947 report...
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- ..in today's money...
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- ..the local area lost out - on 2.6 million annually.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- The affect would be more than money.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- Once you lose something, - it's gone forever.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- The more astute of you - will have noticed...
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- ..that we mostly filmed - this side of the fence.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- We explained - to the Ministry of Defence...
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- ..that we were filming a - factual, unbiased documentary.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- But they refused permission - for us to film on the ranges.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- We have to ask why.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- It's never been recognized - that mistakes were made...
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- ..in the treatment of - the Epynt and Preseli residents...
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- ..more than 50 years ago.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26- But the Ministry of Defence's - unwillingness to open their gates...
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- ..might be recognition to many.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48- S4C Subtitles by Gwead