Ep 1. The Forgotten Gunners of WWI

Time Team season 20 episode 1, titled "The Forgotten Gunners of WWI," focuses on uncovering the secrets of a forgotten First World War artillery training site in Salisbury Plain. The team is made up of experts in various fields such as archaeology, history, and geophysics who come together to piece together the story of the site and the soldiers who trained and fought there.

At the start of the episode, the team meets with a historian who provides them with information about the site and its significance during the First World War. From there, they begin the process of surveying the area to locate any structures or artifacts that remain. Using ground-penetrating radar, they map out the site and note any anomalies that could indicate the presence of structures beneath the surface.

Throughout the episode, the team faces challenges such as difficult terrain and inclement weather, but they persevere and make some significant discoveries. They find evidence of a parade ground, a firing range, and a network of trenches that were used for training purposes. They also uncover personal items such as cigarette cases and belt buckles that belonged to the soldiers who trained there.

As the team continues to excavate the site, they discover something unexpected - evidence of a field hospital. This discovery is particularly significant because it sheds light on an aspect of the war that is often overlooked - the medical care that was provided to injured soldiers. The team carefully excavates the area, hoping to uncover more information about the hospital and the soldiers who were treated there.

Throughout the episode, the team is joined by experts in various fields who help them piece together the story of the site and the soldiers who trained and fought there. They examine military records and diaries and speak with descendants of soldiers who trained at the site. Through their research, they learn about the harsh conditions that the soldiers faced during training, as well as the brutal realities of trench warfare.

"The Forgotten Gunners of WWI" is a fascinating and emotional exploration of a forgotten piece of history. The team's dedication to uncovering the truth about the site and the soldiers who trained there is inspiring. The discoveries they make shed light on an important chapter in history and provide a greater understanding of the sacrifices that were made during the First World War. Overall, the episode is a compelling and moving tribute to the forgotten soldiers who trained at the site.