Description:This winter scene postcard was sent by Private Frank N Smith, service number 22448, of the 11th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, who was quartered at Hut No. 15, No. 3 Battalion Line, Rugeley Camp, Cannock Chase. The postcard was franked in Rugeley but the date is unclear. It was sent to an address in Norton, near Doncaster.
Private F N Smith writes “Just a line to let you know where I am. Will write later on. This picture gives you a little idea of conditions at present. Pte. FNS”.
The 11th York and Lancaster Regiment moved to Rugeley Camp in November 1915. By September 1916 they were absorbed into Training Reserve Battalions of 2nd Reserve Brigade at Rugeley.
This postcard view was taken on Penkridge Bank Road close to Rugeley Camp which was also known as Penkridge Bank Camp. The winters were often very harsh and numerous requests were sent home by soldiers asking for warm clothing. This interesting view shows the original wrought iron fencing on the left-hand side of the road, and a crude breach has been made to allow temporary access. Other images of Penkridge Bank Road show this style of fencing from the junction with Birches Valley Road towards Rifle Range Corner. It is possible that this shows Battalion Line number 14 on the right, with number 4 in the distance on the left. The rear of the postcard states the Soldier is quartered in number 3 Battalion Line which is immediately after 14 on the right. On the top of two of the huts workmen can be seen connecting cables to the poles for either power or communication purposes. On the junction of Rifle Range Corner there were banks, building societies and a Post Office which were very busy dealing with the 20,000 troops stationed at Rugeley Camp at any one time.