Upon the outbreak of the Second World War, most of the Moor saw renewed activity, as it was commandeered for the use of military training. Various training was undertaken, including artillery firing. A large area of 4,451 hectares to the south and south east of Hexworthy was taken over for rifle, machine gun and anti-tank firing. A new rifle range was built near Rippon Tor to train soldiers, an airfield was constructed on Roborough Down, and a new hutted camp was built at Plasterdown. The latter was later used as a hospital by the American Forces. The newtake below Rippon Tor was chosen as the site for the firing range, and it was successfully built in 1941. Following the end of the war, training cadets became the main users of the range.