MICK Gentleman says a nationally important trench warfare training site is emerging from layers of silt at the Jerrabomberra Wetlands 100 years after it was built to prepare soldiers for the trenches of the Western Front.

“Archaeologists and students from the Australian National University are unearthing some of the trenches dug in 1916 as part of the AIF Trench Warfare and Bombing School,” Mick said.

“The trenches were dug by soldiers from the Canberra region who had volunteered during the ‘The Men from Snowy River’ recruiting march, and were based at Goulburn at the time.

“They were modelled on the ‘Island Traverse System’, considered the best at the time, which blocked a direct sight line along a trench in case the enemy reached the flank, and reduced the blast impact of explosives landing in the trench.

“The School used a ‘train the trainer’ approach to instruct officers and senior non-commissioned officers in trench warfare. The officers then returned to their units as instructors.

“This is the only trench warfare training site left in Australia as the other sites have been developed, so it is nationally important we do this archaeological research to preserve the memory for the future.

The project is a collaboration between the ANU School of Archaeology and Anthropology, ACT Parks and Conservation Service and the Jerrabomberra Wetlands Management Committee. Locations for digging have been decided using historical aerial photos and in consultation with ACT Heritage, Jerrabomberra wetlands park managers and the project historian.

The project aims to locate, protect, interpret and promote physical evidence of the AIF Trench Warfare and Bombing School, and to develop interpretive and informational activities and materials.

“This project will contribute to our knowledge and commemorations of WWI and to our understanding of what our soldiers experienced. It is an important Canberra story to share with residents and visitors to Canberra,” Minister Gentleman said.