Proven Area, Sheet 27, Grid F 20 d and F 26 b

[iain mchenry]

I am looking into the location of the Second Army Mine School which was located very close to Zoom Farm. In July 1916 177 Tunnelling Company blew a practice mine of 1550 lbs of ammonal at grid: sheet 27.F.20.d.7.1. On looking at the location on the July 1918 map which I have on Linesman there are a series of disused trenches in a cul de sac of a wood at that location. In the 177 War Diary a month later, a handrawn map is shown marking the mine crater onto the practice trenches. The plan is entitled "Experimental trenches etc at 2nd Army Central School". The July 1918 map I have of these practice trenches shows them as dashed lines, disused trenches. Would anyone have a section of this map or an aerial photo showing grid squares F 20 d and F26 b from either 1916 or especially 1917. I would also be interested in any other references to these practice trenches others may have.

Regards

Iain