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The First World War was an overwhelming event which had widespread effects across Wales – no area was left untouched as the whole country geared up to contribute to the war effort. Over one hundred years on the generation that witnessed it has gone, and what we are left with are historical records and physical evidence – buildings, landscapes and artefacts. Many buildings and facilities were demolished soon after the war, having served their purpose, some reverted to their pre-war function and others were put to new uses.

Given that many buildings and structures were temporary, built to serve the war effort, it is remarkable that anything survives. However, in 2013 with the hundred-year anniversary of the war looming no-one knew exactly what did survive. Cadw thus funded the four Welsh archaeological trusts to research, investigate and record the camps, ranges, defences, factories and memorials in Wales. This short booklet summarises the work undertaken by the trusts and demonstrates the profound impact the war had not just on the lives of the people of Wales but also on the landscape of Wales.

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