Shropshire Routes to Roots

To assist the movement of troops, a small station, the Park Hall Halt had been built in the early 1920's. This was now re-opened and was in regular use throughout the war.

There was much made of the camp in the local press regarding the new forms of construction, libraries and educational facilities for the servicemen. In addition, the welfare of the men was considered with the establishment of a new N.A.A.F.I. (Navy, Army and Air Force Institute), and the employment of local women to deliver the services.

By mid-July 1939, the new batch of 2,500 Royal Artillery Militiamen was installed, learning basic skills and gunnery instruction. This was the start of a 30-year Royal Artillery association with Park Hall.

The camp continued to be used for training for many years to follow. The Royal Artillery were joined by the Infantry Junior Leaders until the Artillery left in 1968. The Junior Leaders continued at the Camp until its closure in December of 1975.

As before, the local authorities had no idea what to do with a military camp with so many facilities. The old chestnuts of Gypsy encampment and housing were put forward, but again, little was done, apart from using the land on occasions for a Show.

Eventually, a lot of the land reverted to farmland, and light industry started on the site of the old encampment. The sports facilities of the camp were excellent, so the grounds and pitches were retained, and are still used to this day as a vital part of the local sports environment.

Park Hall Farm became a visitor attraction in 1998. It is now home to the Museum of the Welsh Guards, continuing the link with the military started so long ago in 1915.