Wyvern Barracks

For the Cavalry barracks in Exeter, see Higher Barracks, Exeter.
Wyvern Barracks
Exeter

Wyvern Barracks in Topsham Road
Wyvern Barracks
Location within Devon
Coordinates 50°42′41″N 03°30′41″W / 50.71139°N 3.51139°W / 50.71139; -3.51139Coordinates: 50°42′41″N 03°30′41″W / 50.71139°N 3.51139°W / 50.71139; -3.51139
Type Barracks
Site information
Owner Ministry of Defence
Operator  British Army
Site history
Built 1800
Built for War Office
In use 1800-Present
Garrison information
Occupants 6th Battalion, The Rifles

Wyvern Barracks is a military installation on Topsham Road in Exeter.

History

The site was established as an artillery barracks for the Board of Ordnance under the name of Topsham Barracks around 1800.[1] In 1873 a system of recruiting areas based on counties was instituted under the Cardwell Reforms and the barracks became the depot for the two battalions of the 10th (North Devonshire) Regiment of Foot.[2] Following the Childers Reforms, the regiment evolved to become the Devonshire Regiment with its depot in the barracks in 1881.[2]

During the First World War a reserve brigade of the Royal Field Artillery was based there[3] and during the Second World War units of the United States Army were based there.[4] After becoming home to the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment in 1958,[5] the barracks went on to become the regional centre for infantry training as the Wessex Brigade Depot under the name of Wyvern Barracks in 1960.[6] It is currently home to Battalion HQ, HQ Company and an Assault Pioneer Platoon of 6th Battalion, The Rifles and Exeter UOTC,[7] as well as B Detachment of 243 Field Hospital and 72 Military Intelligence Company Detachment of 7 Military Intelligence Battalion.[8]

References

  1. ↑ "Guard House and attached wall Wyvern Barracks". English Heritage. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  2. 1 2 "Training Depots". Regiments.org. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
  3. ↑ "The Royal Artillery depots, training units and home defences". Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  4. ↑ "Black American GIs arrive in Exeter". Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  5. ↑ "Amalgamation 1958". Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  6. ↑ "Infantry Brigade Depots (Location)". Hansard. 7 March 1958. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  7. ↑ "6th Battalion The Rifles". The Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  8. ↑ "Local Army Directory". Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
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