Parts of a medieval village lost beneath a Ministry of Defence site in Caerwent have been found by injured soldiers. The need for an explosives factory in the Second World War led to the 1,580 acre (six square km) site being requisitioned and by August 1941, Nitrocellulose and Nitroglycerine plants were operational and were soon working 24 hours a day. The only loss to the community was the medieval village of Dinham, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book but was consumed within the site. However, Operation Nightingale, set up to help service personnel injured on operations, return to their regiment or prepare for civilian life, is working towards recovering some of the remains. Serving personnel and veterans are working with experienced archaeologists from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) the Defence Archaeology Group (DAG) and the University of Leicester (UofL), to uncover what is thought to be important features of the village including a manor house, church and burial ground. It follows on from excavations close to the site last April, which unearthed parts of a Roman building. Remains found during the dig at Caerwent will be recorded so they can be protected for the future. Operation Nightingale has won a British Archaeological Award in recognition of its innovative use of archaeological work to boost the recovery and career prospects of inured military personnel. Sgt Diarmaid Walshe, who is a qualified archaeologist, said: "The feedback from service personnel who have attended the programme so far is that every single one has enjoyed themselves and gained a positive experience that has helped their recovery. Pictured on the front page are Squadron Leader David Ulke of the Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service; Thomas Burns, formerly of the Royal Army Medical Corps of the Parachute Regiment who served in the Falklands Campaign of 1982; and Richard Bennett, of 40 Commando, who spent 17 years with the Marines, serving four tours of Afghanistan, and also served in Iraq and Northern Ireland.