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Like most moorland & upland areas Langsett & her surrounds became a military training area and some reminders can still be found & seen.Midhope moors were turned into Armoured Fighting Vehicle Range (A.F.V.R.)Midhope Grid Ref.SK209997.Little is known but this Range was probably developed by the 9th Armoured Division in early 1941 with 2"classification" ranges, with a troop battle practice range being used in 1942. Light anti aircraft machine gun firing was practiced along with dismounted small arms practice.
A hutted camp at Townhead Farm Upper Midhopestones accomodated the Range staff & drivers. Visiting troops were billeted in Holmfirth & Penistone
On the map a triangular firing track is clearly visible at Grid Ref.SK21009870 and this is still clearly seen on the ground today - being used by the gamekeeper for access,two moving target tracks are situated on the hillside above at Grid Ref.SK20809845,the towing winches being protected by the brick and concrete emplacements in the pictures.A narrow reinforced groove can also be seen running from them in which I assume the wires ran.Another brick emplacement to the southwest of the triangular tracks could also be another target area.
the target tank made of wood and canvas and known as a "hornet" would be towed by the winch situated in this reinforced area (pictured right & above right ) Further evidence on the ground suggests a fuel pipeline ran up to here for the winch engine as there are " piers" running up the moor and an unexplained blast protected building base close to the road.
Thickwoods Lane Grid Ref.SK21009950 was reinforced with rubble from the Sheffield Blitz to allow vehicles to access the ammunition dump in the woods (- nothing but grass grows there now due to a chemical leak)- the rubble is till visible today.
North America Farm Grid Ref.SK20359980 was used for target practice by guns to its east- as you can see if you examine it - the stones are only chipped on the east facing side
rocket shell remains near Mickleden Pond
remains of Airspeed Oxford on Outer Edge
mooring block for barrage balloons flown above Langsett Reservoir to prevent aircraft bombing the dam, this can be seen from the lower footpath from the car park & running along the side of the reservoir
rock used by troops to zero their rifle sights, found between Hingclife Hill and The Little Don
