For hundreds of years, Devizes has been a military town and home to various formal and informal army units. The Wiltshire Regiment units were based in Devizes as early as 1804.  Prince Maurice Barracks was built by the Devizes firm of WE Chivers in London Road, Devizes during 1939 and it was demolished in 1987.

1939 - 1943. It was occupied by the British Army 207th Anti-Aircraft Training Regiment.

1943 - 1945. It housed the following United States Army units:

• US Army 344 Engineer Regiment
• US Army 22 Armoured Field Artillery Battalion of the 4th Armoured Division
• US Army 141st General Hospital.

Post War

Development as the Hopton Industrial Estate   estate commenced in 1999. The developers - Hannick Homes of Swindon and Gaiger Bros. of Devizes funded the provision of the commemorative stone on land at the entrance to the estate with Latchways, the occupier of the position agreeing to the siting.

On 6 June 1999 the stone was unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Lt. General Sir Maurice Johnston, KCB, OBE. Guests included: officials of Wiltshire County Council, Kennet District Council, Devizes Town Council, Roundway Parish Council and Major John Pothin, US Army.

The memorial stands at OS 173/SU025635

Can you help?

If you have any pictures or stories from the war please email Devizes Heritage direct by clicking here