Trevallen Downs Tank Range

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument, also known as the Cadet Range, comprises the remains of a Royal Armoured Corps tank range, which dates to the Second World War (AD 1939-45). It is located at the E end of Castlemartin Range and consists of an inland Firing Point S of Newton and three Range Targets on Trevallen Downs 600m to the SE. The Firing Point (Item A) includes concrete hard standings relating to the assembly area, a firing triangle and a static firing pad. The Range Targets include two target railways (Items B and D), each possessing a blockhouse at either end of the railway, and a blockhouse related to a pop-up or swivel target adjacent to an RAF aerial bombing target (Item C).

The monument is a rare and complete surviving example of a Second World War tank range. It is of national importance for its potential to enhance and illustrate our knowledge of military training techniques and facilities. The monument forms an important element within the wider regional military context and the site itself may be expected to contain archaeological information in regard to building techniques and functional detail. The monument is well preserved and possesses important group value.

The areas to be scheduled comprise the remains described and areas around within which related evidence may be expected to survive. Area 'A', incorporating Item A, is an irregular polygon and measures 500m NW-SE by 140m transversely. It is centred on NGR SR 96540 93560. Area 'B', incorporating Item B, is an irregular polygon and measures 215m ENE-WSW by 55m transversely. It is centred on NGR SR 96890 93065. Area 'C', incorporating Item C, is an irregular polygon and measures 200m E-W by 130m transversely. It is centred on NGR SR 97125 93025. Area 'D', incorporating Item D, is an irregular polygon and measures 240m NE-SW by 60m transversely. It is centred on NGR SR 97360 92970.