barracks

Madame Babushkinov was furious to discover that their “hotel” was really a barracks, a single large hall with cots all in a row, and a washing-up room they would have to share.

"From my point of view, shovelling people into former barracks is not the best use of money and for those seeking asylum," said Mr Smith.

Beyond the abandoned barracks and drydocks, the site is now mostly an empty expanse of grass and reeds, with an unobstructed view of the bay.

"We grew up in the rebel barracks, deep in the forest," he said.

In the shade of the barracks, the solders were cleaning their Kalashnikovs.