A bit spartan

Basic training at Brancepeth during the Second World War was hard, uncomfortable and monotonous and came as a shock to many of the men who went there, but after six weeks the newly qualified soldiers were ready to join their battalions.

Stanley Ferguson

Stanley Ferguson's biography (PDF, 50 KB)

Stanley remembers listening for ghosts at Brancepeth Castle.

Stanley Ferguson's transcript (PDF, 112 KB)

Russell King

Russell King's biography (PDF, 49 KB)

Russell remembers washing in cold water at Brancepeth Castle.

Russell King's transcript (PDF, 33 KB)

Wilfred White

Wilfred White's biography (PDF, 50 KB)

Wilfred remembers conditions were not much better for trainee Officers in 1941.

Wilfred White's transcript (PDF, 32 KB)

George Richardson

George Richardson's biography (PDF, 52 KB)

George remembers the main meal of the day during his basic training in 1940.

George Richardson's transcript (PDF, 31 KB)

Joseph Wear

Joseph Wear's biography (PDF, 49 KB)

Joseph remembers receiving his first Army pay in 1940.

Joseph Wear's transcript (PDF, 31 KB)

Ernest Harvey

Ernest Harvey's biography (PDF, 99 KB)

Ernest remembers the problems he faced trying to leave the camp at weekends.

Ernest Harvey's transcript (PDF, 34 KB)

Joseph Drake

Joseph Drake's biography (PDF, 48 KB)

Joseph remembers being inoculated before going overseas on active service.

Joseph Drake's transcript (PDF, 32 KB)