New Book Launched : A Long, Slow Walk from the Station

In May 2014 Berkswich History Society published “Memories – Berkswich in the Great War”. Whilst researching that book, it was discovered that Sir Arthur Grant was Commandant of Brocton Prisoner of War Camp and that he brought his family to live in Brocton. After much research, and assistance from Sir Arthur’s grandson Sir Archibald Grant, Beryl Holt, (Chairman of Berkswich History Society) has written a new book entitled “A Long, Slow Walk from the Station”, which is the story of Brocton Prisoner of War Camp 1917 – 1919.

Using original documents from the Imperial War Museum, the National Records of Scotland and Staffordshire Record Office together with many letters, newspaper reports and the unpublished diary of the Camp Commandant, the book recounts tales of the everyday life of prisoners, staff and local people, together with stories of strikes, escape (and recapture!), shootings and death. It is not all gloom and doom – there are amusing anecdotes as well.  It also describes the military background of the Commandant and tells how his family came to live at Brocton Hall, now Brocton Golf Club, and later at Brocton Leys just 10 minutes’ walk from Sir Arthur’s quarters on Cannock Chase.

The book gives a fascinating insight into the lives of several thousand men who were detained in Staffordshire almost 100 years ago. This previously untold story adds greatly to our knowledge of life on Cannock Chase during the Great War.

The book, which will be available from 18^th November can be purchased from Beryl Holt, 53, Old Croft Road, Stafford, ST17 0NL

Tel 01785 665834                                      Cost £10 + £2.50 package & postage.

ISBN*     9780952724797