Naas Lane Camp, Lydney in 1997.

Terry
wrote (April 2007): "..the old camp at Naas Lane, Lydney in 1997.
After the Americans left the camp, squatters moved in
and it wasn't until 1947 that they were moved on. After this the local
council refurbished the huts putting in a partition so two families could
occupy one hut .A local told me they were very damp. The camp was locally
known as "The Avenue". Families would reside there until
adequate council housing was built. By 1957 the camp was empty and
all buildings
were handed back to Naas House Farm. The tower was a water tower and contained
a large metal tank used by the military. I think this is only one of the
remaining buildings.
The bottom left photo shows one of the metal ends for charge bags to be used
in the 155mm Howitzer cannon. These were found locally a couple of years
ago close
to the
camp which
was
home
to the 144th Field Artillery Group, US Army. They were here for the build
up to D Day 6th June 1944. The metal plates held three cardboard tubes hence
the shape. There was one each end. The cardboard tubes contained a cloth
bag. This was put into the barrel of the cannon behind the shell and would
ignite
sending the shell out of the gun. I collected around 20 of these from the
camp area. Another point of interest was that General G.S. Patton visited
the camp in early 1944".
Barbara Smith (Nee Vine) added (April 2008): "My parents lived in
Naas Camp from about 1952 until 1956. They were rehoused in Ridler Road
Lydney. The other families were moved to the same area, Harrison Way etc.
My mother was very pleased after living in a 2 up 2 down cottage in
Crosshands with her parents as they then had an indoor toilet!".
Joanne Rolls added (November 2013): "... I remember my Dad (Gordon Boswell) talking about his time with his family at Naas Camp, also rehoused at Ridler Road - 31 I think it was. My Nan was Gertude Ellen Boswell".
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