Home of the British Army

No location has been more important to the development of the British army than the garrison at Aldershot. This comprehensive history of Aldershot Garrison from its founding to the present day examines the development of the camp, the conditions for the soldiers, and its vital contribution to Britain’s national defence.

Home of the British Army uses numerous contemporary documents and personal accounts, many previously unpublished, to provide insights into military life and the importance of Aldershot to British military history. It was the first permanent training camp, and its success provided a model for all subsequent army camps. By far the largest British garrison, troops from Aldershot fought in every major war since the 1850s. In both world wars priority was given to mobilising Aldershot’s resident units, which formed the First Corps of the British Expeditionary Force. Since 1945 Aldershot found new roles, firstly as the base for the Airborne Forces and latterly as the location of national and regional army headquarters, specialised infantry, and logistic units.

The size and nature of Aldershot promoted new thinking and innovations in almost all aspects of army life, work and technology. More effective and realistic training was developed, and innovations included the start of scientific physical training, the first military police, experiments with ballooning and kiting, and improvements in transport, mechanisation, signalling, food and veterinary services. Home of the British Army will appeal to anyone interested in British military or social history of the last 170 years.