World War II trenches uncovered in Threemilestone

The camp would have been used by troops waiting to be deployed for the D-day invasion

Archaeologists have discovered the remains of World War II zig-zag trenches and "foxholes" near Truro.

It is thought the trenches in Threemilestone were dug for troops getting ready for the D-Day invasion.

Archaeologist Nick Johnson said: "In camps you would have had places where you could run to if there was a raid."

The trenches were found on the site of the former Oak Tree Inn at Threemilestone which is currently being redeveloped for retail use.

Staggered attack

Daniel Ratcliffe, from Cornwall Council, said: "We know that the south coast of Cornwall played an important role in the invasion of Europe as a mustering and embarkation point for troops, and has many physical reminders of this period.

"A study of aerial photographs of the site taken in 1944 shows extensive temporary military camps were established at Threemilestone to house invasion forces prior to D-Day."

Mr Johnson said the camp would have been used by troops as part of a wave attack system.

"The troops in Plymouth land on the beach in the first wave, those in the Bodmin area are several hours later in the second wave, and the troops which would have been in this tented camp would have embarked from Falmouth and would have been on D-Day plus one, the next day."

Cornwall Council said that when planning permission was granted for the site to be redeveloped it recommended that the developers pay for archaeological investigations before the work was carried out.

Mr Ratcliffe said the archaeological features were now being recorded and would be included in a report by the council's record service.