Cornwall’s Army Museum has been invited to attend the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies Festival of Archaeology Event in Bodmin on Saturday 25 July.
Military action from the Roman to the Second World War has provided archaeologists with rich source material; such as the building of fortifications and the destruction of the same, either in battle or through the passing of time. However, Bodmin Keep is still standing and therefore, rather than celebrating what lies below the surface, our contribution will reveal more about our surroundings, by sharing copies of some special, perhaps unique, military maps which demonstrate how ‘boots on the ground’ covered large tracts of Cornwall in 1915.
Bodmin Keep’s archive has produced some superb items that not only are fascinating in themselves but lead to journeys of discovery. In 1915 part of the 3rd Battalion, with the Band and Bugles carried out a recruitment march around Cornwall. The museum has two albums that show the journey around Cornwall, detailing in pictures and words the welcome received and locations visited. As is nearly always the case not all the photographs are labelled and identification of place names or even people would greatly add to our knowledge.
The Bodmin Keep display will also include copies of hand drawn maps, primarily of the route between Bodmin and Lostwithiel. These late Victorian maps are works of art in themselves: they are watercolour and ink of varying skill with notes alongside describing the points of interest along the route. Not much is known about these maps, again inviting further research, but it seems likely that they were created by officers as part of a training exercise. Perhaps the trainee was carrying out a reconnaissance? Whatever the purpose for drafting the maps, one can only marvel at the quality of the finished articles.
Henry Thomas Ward Allatt must have been very meticulous if the sample of his work (see above) completed in December 1890, is representative. The sketch is of the highest standard, with no comment from the marking officer except praise. The drawing is accompanied by seven pages of notes explaining the condition of the road, points of interest, geography, marching conditions, halting positions, and, details of towns and villages. There are even snippets of social history and reminders of how times have changed, ‘Lostwithiel … Population about 1,000, about a third of whom are miners.’
Henry Allatt was born on 18 February 1847 and had a long distinguished career with the British Army: gazetted as an Ensign on 30 October 1866; attaining the rank of Lieutenant on 22 October 1870, Captain on 26 July 1876 and Major on 1 January 1886. He retired in 1893, but on the outbreak of the South African War was re-employed to command one of the several re-mount depots in that theatre. At the conclusion of the war he retired once again with the rank of Colonel. He again re-joined the British Army in August 1914. During 1916 he was based in Ireland with the rank of Colonel and his unit described as General & Special List, Draft Conducting Officers with his sub unit being the 3rd Royal Irish Regiment. On 8 May 1916 he ‘Died of Heart failure caused through the Dublin Riots.’
As is the case with nearly every item within the archive further research is required to expand on the basic outline of these interesting items. Perhaps some answers regarding the recruiting march album will come to light at the event? At the very least, the skill of Major Allatt and others will be appreciated by a new audience.
Natur! will be held at The Shire House Suite, Priory Park, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 2DQ on Saturday 25 July 2026 from 11am-4pm.