I received a surprise invitation was to join my son-in-law on a 4×4 excursion across Salisbury Plain on the Wiltshire byways. I was looking forward to visiting the village of Imber that had been used in the Second World War to train American troops. This day, the 30th of December was one of the few days in the year that the village was open for the public to visit.
The Salisbury Plain Tour was organised by 4×4 Adventure Tours.
Start of the tour
At the meeting point in a car park close to the Garrison Church of St Alban the Martyr. After introductions we were given a two way radio and set off in convoy to the Wiltshire byways on Salisbury Plain.
This was the first “target” that we passed at 10:08am.
First steep descent: 10:35am
Looking back.
The first recovery.
On a byway
Greenlands on Salisbury Plain
This was our first stop for a break. The buildings were all empty.
What3Words: ///sandbags.skillet.cascaded
Another camp
Deep water!
More targets
Imber Village on Salisbury Plain
Just after midday we were in Imber Village. When we arrived the roads into the village were packed with other sightseers.
Here is the replica German village.
After parking we walked back to look at the church.
St Giles Church, Imber
The church has its own charity who welcome visitors when the village is “open” to visitors.
Inside the church volunteers were fundraising by selling food and drinks as well as postcards and ‘fridge magnets. All visitors to Imber should make a visit to the church and help the charity to raise money to keep St Giles church in good repair.
Another view of the replica German Village from outside the church.
In the field below the church there was a welcome row of porta-loos.
We drove back out of the village passing the other church that did not survive World War 2 practice.