AN Okehampton resident travelled to Exmouth earlier this month, to address members of the East Devon Branch of the Aircrew Association.

Paul Rendell, who specialises in the military history of Dartmoor and acts as a local guide, gave the talk, The Military on Dartmoor, which included numerous photographs, the earliest dating from the 1840-50s.

They showed a number of tented camps used by various regiments, including the Scottish Highlanders.

Members were also shown pictures of the still-visible outlines of sites where bell-tents once stood for months on end, of a communication network which still exists across the moor and the tracks of target railways.

Mr Rendell also showed a photograph of the West Okement valley, the scene of a Liberator crash during World War Two and of ladies from Okehampton WI collecting sphagnum moss, which was then used for treating the wounded in hospitals.

A spokesman for the branch said: 'Membership of the Aircrew Association is open to all serving or former members of aircrew from all three of the armed forces.

'The branch was formed over 20 years ago and even today its title belies its membership area.'

The East Devon Branch of the Aircrew Association caters for all ages, the majority being veterans of World War Two or Cold War Warriors of the 1950-70s.

It also has members living in the Okehampton and Bradworthy areas.

The branch's next evening meeting will welcome speaker, John Stagg, who flies the Airbus 340 for Cathay Pacific Airlines.

All former aircrew from the armed forces are invited to join members for the talk, to be held on Tuesday, July 13 at the Exmouth RAFA Club. For more information phone Grahame Holloway on 01392 468225.