Forged in War: Ripon Camp
The transformation of place and people. Untold stories of the men and women in one of the smallest cities in Britain which became the largest military camp in the country.
The story of Ripon during The Great War is a remarkable tale of transformation. Despite being one of Britain’s smallest cities, it evolved into one of the largest and most significant military camps in the country. Locals referred to it as ‘The Aldershot of the North’.
Through personal stories, extensive research, and engaging narrative, the author reveals how Ripon Camp accommodated nearly 1.5 million soldiers from across the globe. Here civilians were turned into soldiers, while the injured received care at the military hospital. From the purpose-made airport, biplanes soared above the 2000 huts, some of which were designated for enemy and British PoW’s. The Khaki University of Canada was also established at Ripon Camp and was also allocated as a major demobilisation centre for returning soldiers. With a population of only 8,000, the men and women of Ripon supported the camp, opened their homes, welcomed refugees and sent their own citizens into combat. The impact of all of this brought a newfound vitality to Ripon City and awoke an entrepreneurial spirit in its people. A unique bond was established by the people and military, a legacy ‘Forged in War’.
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Stories and memories of
soldiers and their families
The Author
Antony’s research and interest in the project started in 2019 with just a map of Ripon South Camp. As time went on the project justified deeper and more extensive research. Eventually, with so many new finds, it became apparent that nobody had documented this lost history and the individuals who contributed so much to World War One. A story worthy of remembrance.
Books on the Great War naturally focus on the battles at the front. Little is known about how ordinary men became soldiers, where this took place and the impact it had on the home front. Forged in War: Ripon Camp covers this and more, including the domestic, economic, social impact on one of the smallest cities in Britain.
“An outstanding contribution to both local and national history”
Dr Peter Liddle FRHistS OBE
What happens when the largest military camp
is created in one of the smallest cities in Britain?
The Making of Soldiers
A postcard written by the author’s Great Great Uncle whilst stationed at Ripon Camp. It features a rather drunk Hornblower who blows his horn at 9pm every evening.
“This is a truly outstanding book. The author has clearly carried out many hours of meticulous research and investigation into Ripon at the time of WW1 and, in addition to this, the city's place in the broader scheme of contemporaneous world affairs. His knowledge is unrivalled. The detail he has uncovered is staggering.”
Andrew Bates
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