An article describing the need for a new training area as Britain entered WW2 was brought to our attention recently. This article was featured in Sanctuary 49, 2019. Sanctuary is the MOD’s annual sustainability magazine and is available online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sanctuary
The article describes how farms near Kirkcudbright were requisitioned and then the building of quarters for the range staff. Because tanks were brought in by rail the roads in town had to be strengthened so that the heavy tanks could be offloaded and turned. The granite setts can still be seen where the tarmac has worn away in Bridge Street. The first Units to train were Polish with Canadian forces also using the facility. For more information about the development of the range and its connection to D-Day see https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/933385/Sanctuary_2019_lo_res_web_NEW.pdf
