Lucky Black Cat

Life at the Great War camps on Cannock Chase could be hard. Many of the soldiers stationed there complained about the harsh conditions that they lived and trained in – especially in the winter. For example Erskine Williams, a bandsman of the 11th Division stationed in Brocton in 1916, wrote home about the ‘charming pastime’ of throwing grenades from a trench in the rain for three hours !!!!

There were some initiatives to alleviate these hardships. This ‘perfume card’ (with sweet pea scent) was sold to raise money for ‘home comforts’ for the men stationed on Cannock Chase.

The card is in the care of the Staffordshire Record Office (D7200) and appears courtesy of Mr A Groucott.