Perham Downs

1914 tent version
Winter of 1916-17 Aussies in huts
History

Remarks

Perham Downs (nicknamed Perishing Downs) I located on the northern edge of the Salisbury Plain, north of Salisbury, between Tidworth & Ludgershall. It was part of the Tedworth Estate purchased by the British Army in 1897. At the outbreak of the 1914-18 war, Tent City was home to some of the British soldiers and recruits who were concentrated on Salisbury Plain and under canvass until at least Dec 8th 1914. Marquees blew away in winter gales from over their sleeping heads - hence Perishing Down. Things improved in 1915 when a hutted camp was built on the site for 5,000 men.

It was one of four Australian command depots in the UK dealing with soldiers who had been discharged from Hospital and needed training before being sent to France. Command Depot No.1 was established at Perham Down in the summer of 1916, before moving to Sutton Veny in October 1917..

Perham Downs also housed the 1st Division's 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Training Battalions until they moved to Durrington in July 1917 and in turn to Sutton Veny on October 1917. The Pioneer Training Battalion was based at Perham Down. In addition the Overseas Training Brigade which prepared men who were discharged from hospital for their return to France was formed here in June 1917, before moving to Longbridge Deverille near Sutton Veny in October 1917.

The camp was rebuilt between 1972 and 1974, and renamed Swinton Barracks.