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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) [50KB]

Stanley remembers listening for ghosts at Brancepeth Castle.

Stanley Ferguson's transcript (PDF) [112KB]


Russell King

Russell King's biography (PDF) [49KB]

Russell remembers washing in cold water at Brancepeth Castle.

Russell King's transcript (PDF) [33KB]


 Wilfred White

Wilfred White's biography (PDF) [50KB]

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

Wilfred White's transcript (PDF) [32KB]


George Richardson

George Richardson
George Richardson's biography (PDF) [52KB]

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

George Richardson's transcript (PDF) [31KB]


Joseph Wear

Joseph Wear's biography (PDF) [49KB]

Joseph remembers receiving his first Army pay in 1940.

Joseph Wear's transcript (PDF) [31KB]


Ernest Harvey

Ernest Harvey
Ernest Harvey's biography (PDF) [99KB]

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

Ernest Harvey's transcript (PDF) [34KB]


Joseph Drake

Joseph Drake's biography (PDF) [48KB]

Joseph remembers being inoculated before going overseas on active service.

Joseph Drake's transcript (PDF) [32KB]


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