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Summary

The site of the Machine Gun Corps training centre and Depot, identified by cropmarks.

Full description

The Machine Gun Corps was formed during the First World War in October 1915, after it was realised that to be fully effective on the Western Front, machine guns must be used in larger units and crewed by specially trained men. Consequently, a depot and training centre was established at Belton Park. The Infantry Branch was by far the largest and was initially formed by the battalion Machine Gun Sections transferring to the Machine Gun Corps and grouping into Brigade Machine Gun Companies. New companies were raised at Grantham. Other branches were Cavalry, Motors and the Heavy Section. The Machine Gun Corps was disbanded in 1922 as a cost cutting measure. {1}

Cropmarks have been noted in the east of Belton Park, which may be associated with the training camp. A photograph is said to exist which depicts the camp, which consisted of rows of Nissen huts, which were wooden with brick foundations. The gable ends were said to face the road which ran through the camp. It is thought that munitions were buried in the area. {2}{3}

<1> The Machine Gun Corps Old Comrades Association, 2001, The Machine Gun Corps Old Comrades Association, Accessed 12/01/2001 (Website). SLI6265.

<2> Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England, 1992-1996, National Mapping Programme, SK9438: LI.733.1.1-4 (Map). SLI3613.

<3> Leslie Bryan, Nov 2000, Information from Leslie Bryan, Nov 2000 (Verbal Communication). SLI6266.

Monument Types

• ENCLOSURE (Unknown date)
• LINEAR FEATURE (Unknown date)
• ARMY CAMP (First World War to Early 20th Century - 1915 AD to 1922 AD)
• MILITARY TRAINING SITE (First World War to Early 20th Century - 1915 AD to 1922 AD)

Sources and further reading

Related records

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