Quebec Street drill hall, Dereham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Quebec Street drill hall |
|
|---|---|
| Dereham, Norfolk | |
Quebec Street drill hall, Dereham
|
|
 Quebec Street drill hall
Location in Norfolk
|
|
| Coordinates | 52°40′52″N 0°56′23″E / 52.68103°N 0.93985°E |
| Type | Drill hall |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1866 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1866 – 1947 |
The Quebec Street drill hall is an old military building in Dereham, Norfolk. It was a place where soldiers trained and prepared for duty. This historic building has seen many changes over the years. Today, it is no longer used by the military.
Contents
History of the Drill Hall
This building is very old, dating back to the 1600s. Around 1866, it became important for local soldiers. It was the main office for a group called the 1st Administrative Battalion, Norfolk Rifle Volunteers.
Changes in Military Units
Over time, the military units using the hall changed their names. In 1872, they became the 3rd Norfolk Rifle Volunteer Corps. Later, in 1883, they were known as the 3rd Volunteer Battalion, the Norfolk Regiment. Finally, in 1908, they became the 5th Battalion, the Norfolk Regiment.
World War I and the Hall
When World War I started, soldiers from this battalion gathered at Quebec Street. They were then sent to fight in places like Gallipoli, Egypt, and Palestine. The building itself was damaged during the war. On the night of September 8, 1915, a German airship called a Zeppelin attacked Dereham. The drill hall was hit during this raid.
After the Wars
The 5th Battalion continued its service through the years. However, after World War II, the battalion was no longer needed. The building was then officially closed as a military site. Today, the Quebec Street drill hall is used as an office for a company that sells houses.
