Alex’s Story: Hampshire’s Hidden Heritage that Heals
Gosport Homes for Veterans client Alex has been embracing his passion for local and military history through Boots on the Ground activities.
Alex served with the Army’s Royal Corps of Signals from 2004 to 2006. He was medically discharged due to his mental health. He turned to ALABARÉ’s Homes for Veterans in Gosport for help in May 2024 after being served with a Section 21 no-fault eviction notice by his landlord.
Alex soon found that ALABARÉ could offer him more than just shelter – we could restore his heart and empower his mind – through our nature-based Boots on the Ground programme.
From kayaking on the River Hamble to yomps around Portsmouth’s military sites, Alex’s self-confidence and emotional wellbeing have significantly improved, engaging with ALABARÉ colleagues and participating in Boots on the Ground activities.
Heritage that Heals
An avid local and military historian, Alex has participated in a variety of heritage projects such as:
- Waterloo Uncovered, researching artefacts found during archaeological digs on the Waterloo battlefield over several weeks. Overcoming his fear of public speaking, Alex presented his findings at a heritage open day at the Royal Armouries Fort Nelson.
- Hampshire’s Hidden D-Day project, carrying out site surveys to locate personal belongings and equipment to help tell the story of the Second World War operation.
“This experience has been more than just a project; it has been a privilege.”
“I want to say a huge thank you for the opportunity to be part of this project. It has been an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding experience, one that I will genuinely carry with me forever.
“As a veteran, this project has felt especially meaningful and close to my heart. It has given me the chance to engage with history in a way that feels personal and powerful.
“Growing up, I vividly remember watching Time Team, the archaeological dig programme, with my late mother. To now find myself on a site uncovering historical objects connected to D-Day feels surreal. In many ways, it feels like coming full circle. Being part of this work gives us the opportunity not just to uncover artefacts, but also to help tell the stories of those who were there.
“So far, I have discovered what we believe to be a bayonet, along with several bomb fragments. I have also found items believed to be an American cleaning bottle and a medicine bottle, each offering a small but important glimpse into the lives of those who served. I’ve particularly enjoyed using the GPS system to accurately pinpoint concrete structures and record the locations of our finds, which adds another layer of purpose and precision to the work.
Alex continues: “After returning from our days out in the field, I contacted a friend who works with Waterloo Uncovered to seek advice on how best to clean and preserve the items I had found. He explained that the bayonet may be made of iron, meaning it was crucial to keep cleaning to an absolute minimum to avoid causing damage. Following his advice, I left it untouched for two to three days to ensure it was completely dry and free from residual moisture. I was then advised to use a fine-bristle brush to gently remove any remaining dirt.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the careful process of cleaning and preserving these finds, knowing how important it is to treat them with respect. Ultimately, I will be donating the artefacts to the D-Day Museum, where they can be preserved properly and shared with others.
“This experience has been more than just a project; it has been a privilege.”
Special Thanks to our Trusted Partners
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