The Camp, Cannock chase

Description:During the First World War two military camps were built on the Chase - Brocton Camp, which was located near to Anson's Bank, and Rugeley Camp which extended along Penkridge Bank. The two camps were separated by the Sherbrook Valley. The Chase had been used as a military training ground since the 1870s.

Brocton Camp provided troops with canteen facilities, a bank, post office, shops and even a theatre. A standard gauge railway built by West Cannock Colliery Company, carried food and other supplies around the camp to the troops who were stationed there. Soldiers who died, through wounds received in France, accidents or illness, were buried in the military cemetery to the south of the camp. Many died during the influenza epidemic of 1918.

After the war the soldiers left and the huts were sold. In the 1930s gravel workings covered large areas of the site, but today some traces of the camp still exist.

This view appears to show the view of Brocton Camp from Sherbrook valley.

The alternate image shows a digitally colourised version of the image.