World War 2 in The Forth Valley

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Gartmore and its neighbouring villages played an all-but-forgotten, top-secret role in World War II. This talk will unveil this astonishing story as seen through the eyes of those who lived it!

About World War 2 in The Forth Valley

Listed Under Talks and Lectures Events / History Events / Nights Out Events

Nestled amongst the rolling hills of Scotland, Gartmore and its neighbouring villages played an all-but-forgotten, top-secret role in World War II. As the site of 25 A.S.D. (Ammunition Sub Depot), Gartmore became a hidden fortress of war, stockpiling colossal amounts of ammunition scattered across thousands of covert locations throughout its forests and estates - critical supplies that would later fuel Operation Overlord and the D-Day landings.

These immense logistical and covert operations ensured an unrelenting supply of firepower for the international war effort. But Gartmore was not just a depot of destruction - it was also a sanctuary. Under ‘Operation Pied Piper,’ waves of schoolchildren, fleeing the horrors of war, the looming Nazi bombing campaigns, and the Blitz, were evacuated to the safety of the village and surrounding areas.

Against this backdrop of displaced children's laughter and clandestine military operations, Gartmore became a battleground of resilience - where both weapons and hope were quietly being prepared for the fight to save Britain.

From recently discovered War Office secret diaries (declassified in 2024) to personal documents and oral histories, this talk - the culmination of eight years of research - will unveil this astonishing story as seen through the eyes of those who lived it, revealing the truly remarkable role Gartmore played throughout World War II.

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