Tadworth Camp: The miniature city that prepared thousands for WW1

During WW1, the Tadworth Camp in Surrey served as a major training ground and camp for thousands of soldiers. The camp was a “miniature city of marquees and tents” stretching from Epsom Downs and Tattenham Corner to Walton-on-the-Hill and Tadworth, and housed up to 8,000 men at its peak.

Initially, soldiers had been training on the Downs since November of 1914, with the Royal Fusiliers being the first to arrive and being stationed in houses in Epsom and railway carriages at Tattenham Corner station. However, in the spring of 1915, a proper camp was constructed at Tadworth, with a total of 11 sites being built, including five at Walton-on-the-Hill. This provided a more structured and suitable environment for soldiers to be trained in trench warfare, gas attack defense, shooting, and other military tactics.

The camp was frequented by various units and regiments, including the London Territorials, volunteer units, artillery and field ambulances, and even the Volunteer Defence Corps. The Guards also had a significant presence at the camp, with the 2nd Welsh Guards being stationed there for the entire summer of 1916, and other Guards regiments sending individual companies or larger parties for training.

The soldiers at Tadworth Camp were trained in all aspects of military life and were put through rigorous physical exercises and sporting activities. The camp also had mock trench systems in the fields, constructed by local landowners, where soldiers could practice and perfect their skills in trench warfare. Additionally, there was a gas school in what is now known as Gas School Wood, where soldiers learned how to protect themselves from gas attacks.

The train station at Tadworth and Epsom were constantly crowded with soldiers leaving for the front line. Drafts of men, including specialists such as machine gunners and signallers, left the camp regularly to join their respective units at the front. The sense of camaraderie and brotherhood among the soldiers was palpable, as they left together on their journey to the unknown.

Today, there is still a sense of the history and important role that Tadworth Camp played in WW1. As we seek to honor and remember those who served, we are also looking for the permission of landowners to search for any remaining traces of the camp. With the help of our metal detectors, we hope to uncover more information about the location of the camp and pay tribute to the soldiers who trained and prepared for battle there.

We are asking for the support and cooperation of landowners in this area to give us permission to metal detect on their land as we seek to unearth this important piece of history. We have shown in the map below the specifc areas of interest where we would like to search. If you would like to grant us permission to detect on your land, please fill out our permission form so we can begin the search.