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Ripon Barracks Demolition Sparks Veteran Memory Project
1 Mar
Summary
- Veterans share memories before Ripon barracks demolition for housing.
- Project aims to preserve city's military history for future generations.
- Stories include Bosnia exorcism and Falklands surrender accounts.
Historic military barracks in Ripon, including Deverell Barracks and Claro Barracks, are slated for demolition to facilitate the construction of new housing. Homes England has acquired the site, with remaining military personnel scheduled to depart later this year.
The Ripon Military Heritage Trust (RMHT) has initiated a project, supported by North Yorkshire Council, to record the memories of local veterans. This initiative seeks to preserve the significant military history associated with the city.
Among the veterans sharing their experiences is retired canon Keith Punshon, who served as an Army padre in Bosnia in 1997-1998. He recounted performing an exorcism to calm soldiers at a former atrocity site.
Falklands War veterans have also contributed, including Captain Tony Douglas, who recalled the Argentinian commander's surrender. Bob Lisle, another Falklands veteran, detailed the challenges of unloading supplies from the Atlantic Conveyor, a ship later sunk in the conflict.
The RMHT urges more veterans to come forward, emphasizing the importance of capturing these anecdotes before they are lost to time, ensuring the contributions of those who served in Ripon are remembered.
