Proteus Training Camp
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The Proteus Training Camp was opened in 1942 and was used by the British and American armed forces. The 21 hectare site housed upto 1000 troops, along with tanks, and other mechanised vehicles. The site also houses an assault course and a 25 metre small arms firing range.
After the WWII the Ministry Of Defence used the camp for the training of Army and Territorial Army soldiers up unitl 2004 when it deemed the site surplus to requirements. Since then the Police have also used the camp for trainig purposes, more recently the site has been used for Airsoft wargames.
Currently the camp is completely derelict and in true Ministry Of Defence fashion is stripped bare. Considering the camps age though its in remarkable condition with only a few buildings falling into disrepair. Some have been gutted by what looks like thieves as some buildings have had the false ceilings ripped down and the wiring stripped.
The only original features we came across was the Camp sign and a few notices in some of the barracks, one regarding handover information for vacating the baracks and a few others which were checklists of what each barrack should contain.
Despite the place being totally empty it does have something about it. The location for one is very well hidden and secluded and its layout is a cross between a WWII Army camp and a Prisoner Of War camp.
The camp is split between Nissan Huts and barracks. The rest of the buildings are transport garages which combined give it a WWII look and feel.
Because of the remote location of the camp it almost feels lost in time. Add to this complete silence and desolation and it makes for a rather interesting explore.
Although its lacks items of interest it does have a very atmospheric feel to it. The long razor wired perimeter fencing which surrounds the camp coupled with the silence and Nissan Huts which overwhelm the place. It does really give the impression you have gone back in time to WWII.
A thoroughly enjoyable explore this one and definatley worth the effort to see although there isnt a great deal in the buildings, its appearance, atmosphere and silence do compensate for this.
Its appearance justifies its lack of content. This place is more of an explore rather than a photo opportunity although some parts are photogenic.
