Royal Army Physical Training Corps
The Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC) is the British Army corps responsible for physical fitness and physical education and has been headquartered in Aldershot since its foundation in 1860. Its members are all Royal Army Physical Training Corps Instructors (RAPTCIs).
Archibald MacLaren (back row holding hat) and Captain Frederick Hammersley (in door, right) with the twelve NCO's and two of MacLaren's assistants at the Oxford Gymnasium (1860)
'The Gymnasium at Aldershott' - based on Archibald MacLaren's Oxford Gymnasium - The Illustrated London News (1868)
Aldershot Garrison, also known as Aldershot Military Town, is a major garrison in South East England, between Aldershot and Farnborough in Hampshire. The garrison was established when the War Department bought a large area of land near the village of Aldershot, with the objective of establishing a permanent training camp for the Army. Over time, this camp grew into a military town and continues to be used by the Army to the present day. It is home to the headquarters of the Army's Regional Command and Home Command, and it is also the headquarters for the Army Special Operations Brigade. The garrison plays host to around 70 military units and organisations.
Maj Gen Rupert Jones awarding operational medals at New Normandy Barracks, Aldershot Garrison
Print showing the wooden barracks of North Camp in 1866
The Prince Consort's Library in 2014
Sir Evelyn Wood, initially a major-general, then promoted to lieutenant-general whilst in post, was appointed commander of Aldershot Division in 1889. He played a significant part in the reconstruction of the original camp
