Forged in War: Ripon Camp - The transformation of place and people in World War One

Untold stories of the making of soldiers and the largest military camp in one of Britain’s smallest cities. Throughout the Great War 8,000 residents of Ripon hosted up to 4,000,000 soldiers from around the world, sending their own men and women to serve alongside them. This created a legacy and a unique bond between the military and the people of Ripon, one that could only have been ‘Forged in War.’ "An outstanding contribution to both local and national history" - Dr Peter Liddle FRHistS OBE In a matter of months, a vast training camp was established in Ripon, North Yorkshire. This would accommodate Kitchener's New Armies with over 40,000 troops from the North of England and Scotland. Here ordinary men were turned into soldiers and sent to the front via the dedicated railway line. If injured there, they might return to the camp military hospital and large convalescent camp. Canadian soldiers may have attended the Khaki University of Canada, established at Ripon. Aeroplanes also flew from the nearby Racecourse as Zeppelins bore down on the tiny city. POWs were also interned and processed whilst submarines battled at sea and mutiny in camp was quelled. The camp was also a finely-tuned administration centre and was designated as a crucial demobilisation centre, processing 100,000's of troops returning to Britain. Meanwhile, Ripons mere 8000 residents were hugely impacted socially and economically whilst also sending their own loved ones to war. This book captures personal stories of the transformation of people and place in World War One. Includes over 100 photos, supporting illustrations and maps.