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Gorleston

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Paul Barton, Special Agent

Paul Barton, Special Agent Report 11 Jul 2006 22:25

My great Grandfather was well into his forties when he signed up for the first world war. He didn't serve on the front line as far as I know but was with the Middlesex Regiment based on the East Coast at a place called Gorleston. The family hold a letter written to home in 1916 and he was clearly in the transport section. A photograph shows him mounted on a horse and we think that he was in charge of a team of packhorses. However, I can't find any mention of an army base or camp at Gorleston and neither can the local library at Gorleston. So what was there? Was it some sort of secret base? Anybody know?

Snowdrops in Bloom

Snowdrops in Bloom Report 11 Jul 2006 22:29

Paul a very good forum that I sometimes use may well be able to help you out - try this: http://1914-1918.invisionzone*com/forums/index.php? If you post a message there I'm sure someone will know or find out for you. Snowdrops

An Olde Crone

An Olde Crone Report 11 Jul 2006 22:31

I am pretty certain there was an Army base at Caister, which is just up the road. Gorleston might have just been a temporary overspill site for non-combatants. OC

Paul Barton, Special Agent

Paul Barton, Special Agent Report 11 Jul 2006 22:31

I salute you once again Snowdrops. And thank you Crone.

Gwen

Gwen Report 11 Jul 2006 22:57

Gorleston holiday camp was used for was used for army training dont know if this helps. Gwen

Paul Barton, Special Agent

Paul Barton, Special Agent Report 11 Jul 2006 22:58

Thank you Gwen. I didn't know they had holiday camps in WW1.

Pippa

Pippa Report 11 Jul 2006 23:00

My ancestors are from Gorleston. Just to add that it was in Suffolk and changed to Norfolk in the seventies in case you have any problems finding records. My ancestors were all in the Navy as they were sailors. Gorleston-on-Sea I believe is its proper name and if I remember correctly the parish church in St Andrews. Something else to note is that some people state they are from South Town which appears to be an area (poor) between Gorleston and Yarmouth. Have fun!

Gwen

Gwen Report 11 Jul 2006 23:02

If you google it comes up with quite a bit about Gorleston and how it was the most bomb place as it was an army training place. Gwen

An Olde Crone

An Olde Crone Report 11 Jul 2006 23:05

Paul I think Gwen means that the Training Camp at Gorleston in WW1 was later used as a holiday camp, as were lots of surplus camps after the war - didnt Billy Butlin start off with an ex Army Camp? OC

Gwen

Gwen Report 11 Jul 2006 23:17

Gorleston holiday camp was built in 1937 and taken over for army training during the war years. Gwen

Paul Barton, Special Agent

Paul Barton, Special Agent Report 11 Jul 2006 23:20

Thanks everybody. Time for beddie-byes. I'll pick up in the morning before I start work.Night all!