Veterans Dig Up History on Salisbury Plain
Military veterans got hands-on with history at a Salisbury Plain archaeological dig, showing Defence Minister Dr Andrew Murrison MP the ropes. The excavation is part of Operation Nightingale, an award-winning scheme helping wounded and sick service personnel reconnect through archaeology.
Uncovering Neolithic Secrets at Boles Barrow
The team is working on Boles Barrow, a Neolithic long barrow with a mysterious past. Excavated in the 19th Century, it revealed prehistoric combat victims and possibly bluestone fragments linked to Stonehenge. The veterans hope to find more of these rare stones, which originally come from Pembrokeshire’s Preseli Hills—far from Salisbury.
The dig also tests a protective mesh programme aimed at safeguarding ancient sites from damage by burrowing animals—a project run by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).
Minister Applauds Unique Rehab Scheme
Dr Murrison, a Royal Navy veteran himself, visited the site on 27 March. He praised the initiative, saying:
“It was great to meet the veterans taking part in this innovative and award-winning programme. Using archaeological excavations to help veterans and allow them to spend time together has clear benefit and this is a programme I wholly support.”
DIO Senior Archaeologist Richard Osgood, leading the dig, added:
“We are hopeful that the excavation of Boles Barrow will help deepen our understanding of the Neolithic landscape of Salisbury Plain. On a practical level, it has already demonstrated that our method of installing mesh to protect certain sites from burrowing animals is a success.”
Early Finds Spark Excitement
The 2023 dig, which started on 20 March, has already uncovered flint tools, a Roman coin, pot shards, and bits of sarsen stone. With veterans and experts working side by side, Operation Nightingale continues to unearth history while offering healing through heritage.
