The site was first recorded by Maitland and planned by George Brown and Barclay of Urie in 1778.
Raedykes probably dates to the 1st century AD, though it has been argued that it could originate from any time during the following two centuries. The fort was one of many which were established during the late first century AD. Many of these camps were reoccupied during the reign of emperor Septimius Severus about a century later.
The whole perimeter of the camp has been recorded, and is significantly irregular in shape because of the terrain. There were originally six gateways of which five are visible. It is situated a day’s march north from Stracathro fort, which was also a Roman marching camp.
The camp remains in a remarkable state of preservation, with the rampart and ditch clearly visible for much of the perimeter. The site commands good views of the surrounding countryside, particularly to the sea at Stonehaven some 5km to the south-east.
It makes for a scenic walk for outdoor and history enthusiasts alike, though do be aware that at times the site is inaccessible due to livestock.
From the centre of nearby Aberdeen, the site is a 40 minute drive via the A92 road. From the centre of Stonehaven, the site is 10 minutes via Slug Rd/A957.
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The fort was one of many which were established during the late first century AD – most likely some time during the campaigns of Julius Agricola in AD 78-84. Many of these camps were reoccupied during the reign of emperor Septimius Severus about a century later.
The site comprises of a large Roman fort, which was originally one of a series of auxiliary forts screening the Agricolan legionary fortress at Inchtuthill. The fort is defended on the North West and South West sides by two ditches and, on the South East side, by three ditches.
The site is of national importance due to it being a good example of a Roman fort with associated annexe and temporary camp which has the potential to greatly enhance out understanding of the Roman military presence in Scotland. It also contributes to an understanding of the construction of Roman road networks.
Today, some of the earthwork remains of the fort are visible. It makes for a scenic walk for outdoor and history enthusiasts alike, though do be aware that at times the site is inaccessible due to livestock. It’s best to ask within the area for the precise location of the camp, since the remains are sometimes difficult to decipher.
From the centre of Aberdeen, the small area of Stracathro is reachable in around 45 minutes by car via the A92 and A90 roads. LNER train services stop at Montrose train station, from where a bus can take you to the stop Porter’s Lodge, from where the Stracathro is a 1 minute walk.
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Following reconnaissance, the decision to build the Wolf’s Lair was made in August 1940 – located in East Prussia near the border with the Soviet Union. The area was one of the most fortified districts of the Third Reich, containing many fortresses (Giżycko, Toruń, Klaipeda, Pilawa) and areas with anti-tank trenches and barbed wire fences.
Hitler first came to the Wolf’s Lair on 24 June 1941. At one point housing 2,000-3,000 people (though some estimate the total was far more than this), the Wolf’s Lair was heavily defended. Three security zones surrounded the central complex where the Führer’s bunker was located.
Ironically, the threats Hitler feared at his headquarters came from within his own ranks. On 20 July 1944, a group of Hitler’s own men, led by Claus von Stauffenberg, tried to assassinate him at the Wolf’s Lair by smuggling in a bomb. Whilst the attempt was unsuccessful, it resulted in four other deaths. Only the concrete floor remains in this particular building.
Some of Hitler’s visits to the Headquarters lasted just a few days, some a few months. Hitler spent a total of 850 days at the vast, secret complex between 1941-1944, before leaving for the last time on 20 November 1944 as the Soviet Red Army approached during the Baltic Offensive, withdrawing to his bunker in Berlin.
The Wolf’s Lair was mostly destroyed under Hitler’s orders. As the vast bunkers were constructed above-ground with concrete walls 8 metres thick, they were so solid that the SS were unable to fully demolish them in January 1945, despite using tons of dynamite. They were abandoned 48 hours before the arrival of Soviet forces.
Despite concerns that the Allies knew of Wolf’s Lair and were planning to bomb it, the Allies only discovered the Wolf’s Lair after Hitler had abandoned it.
Today, the remaining bunkers are slowly disappearing behind nature’s natural camouflage and the ruins are now a museum. A free app guides visitors round the site, which also includes a film about the Nazi HQ’s history and some military equipment on show.
The Wolf’s Lair lies about 5 miles east of the small East Prussian town of Rastenburg (Polish: Kętrzyn), in present-day Poland. By car, the journey takes around 12 minutes, via the DW592).
]]>The sites provide an all-encompassing insight into the conflict in the Pacific in the Second World War, from the attack on Pearl Harbor, to the US entry into World War Two and beyond.
On 7 December 1941 at 7:55am, two waves of hundreds of Japanese aircraft launched their deadly attack on the US Pacific Fleet moored at Pearl Harbour on Oahu Island, Hawaii.
The raid only lasted about two hours, but its effects were devastating. Over 2,400 Americans were killed, with another 1,178 injured (under 100 Japanese were killed), 5 battleships were sunk, 16 more damaged and 188 aircraft had been destroyed.
The sites honour the Pacific Theater engagement of the United States during the Second World War.
Visitors can see and experience several of the most important sites from this period, including the USS Arizona Memorial, Ford Island, USS Missouri, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
Besides the site in Oahu, other branches of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument are located in the Aleutian Islands in Alaska and in Newell, California (Tule Lake Unit).
The sites are located in a variety of different locations. From Oahu, the best to visit is the USS Arizona Memorial. It’s easy to get to via public transport as buses 20 and 42 stop just outside the park.
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