The Boys Brigade Camp of 1937.

The Boys Brigade Camp, 1937.

on White Place Farm.

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During the month of August 1937, some 90 members of the Plymouth Boys Brigade were camp guests of Lord and Lady Astor, who at that time Lord Mayor Lady Mayoress plus as sitting member of parliament for Plymouth.

Two days before their arrival one could see the preparations being made as Edwards Tent Works of Maidenhead moved on to the field and started erecting the army bell tents, ridge tents and marquees. They also screened and prepared the ground for latrines as well. The estate woodmen brought in a supply of dry wood for cooking and the campfires. R.H. Whites mineral water supplies from Slough brought in a whole load of lemonade and Corona drinks as well.

The map above has been laid out as I remember the field structure at that time:

1.   Was an orchard the my great grandfather had planted with beautiful Cox's Orange Pipens, Blenheim Orange Apples and the good old Bramley Seedling Cooking apples. There were Bartlett Pears, Victoria Plums, Damsons and even a couple of Quince trees.

2.    Was a double fenced cart track so cattle could be moved from pasture to pasture.

3.   Was the farm dairy where the boys could fill their churn with fresh milk every day.

4.   Water trough with tap that was the source of fresh water.

5.   Was the Mess tent that doubled as chapel on Sunday's, also where they use to entertain with shadow plays I remember.

6.   This was the cook marquee kitchen and stores area.

7.   Was where the evening camp fires and sing songs were held

8.   The four ridge tents were for the six leaders and one was reserved for a hospital tent. Which was used by one boy who was suffering from bad sunburn.

9.   Were the Latrines that were moved to a different spot every week.

10.   Were the army bell tents that housed the 90 boys. All general commands were given by the use of a bugle. For wake up, meals, and lights out at night. 

I can still remember the name of their senior leader, he was a Mr. Alfred J. Lamb.