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 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 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]