AN army of volunteers have been uncovering the secrets of a former military camp on Witley Common, where renowned war poet Wilfred Owen penned a prelude to his famous ‘Anthem for Doomed Youth’.

A century after Owen trained for First World War service at the camp near Milford, Surrey County Council’s archeological unit is leading a project to excavate the area for the first time and document the findings.

So far volunteers have uncovered a number of ‘star finds’ including a Swiss harmonica, dummy bullets used for training, a ginger beer bottle and a Second World War Canadian mess tin.

The project is backed by a £30,000 grant from the Government’s community covenant scheme, which aims to strengthen ties between the civilian and armed forces communities through worthwhile local initiatives.

The Surrey County Archeological Unit secured the grant with support from Natural England, Godalming Museum, Combat Stress and the Thursley History Society.

• To volunteer on this project, share your knowledge of the camp, or for further information, please email [email protected].