Back Lane drill hall | |
---|---|
Newtown, Powys | |
Coordinates | 52°30′59″N 3°19′03″W / 52.51633°N 3.31763°W |
Type | Drill hall |
Site history | |
Built | 1855 |
Built for | War Office |
In use | 1855–1955 |
The Back Lane drill hall is a former military installation in Newtown, Wales.
The building was designed as the headquarters of the 5th Volunteer Battalion, The South Wales Borderers and was completed in 1897. [1] This unit evolved to become the 7th Battalion, The Royal Welch Fusiliers in 1908. [2] The battalion was mobilised at the drill hall in August 1914 before being deployed to Gallipoli and ultimately to the Western Front. [3]
After the Second World War, the battalion converted to become the 636th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery (Royal Welch) and then amalgamated with the 635th (Royal Welch) Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery to form the 446th (Royal Welch) Airborne Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery at Caernarfon Barracks in 1955. [2] The Back Lane drill hall was then decommissioned and was subsequently used for local community events including amateur dramatics. [4]