Genealogy Chat

Is there anyway to find out why someone was sent to Colchester? Just recieved grandads service records and it appears he spent 7 days in Colchester, would love to know why???

Hi Colchester has been a military base since Roman Times. My greatgrandfather was from Northampton and he joined the Northamptonshire Reg. He was based at Colchester at some point and met a local girl whom he married. Not sure what time period you want to find out more about but if you google Colchester etc you can find quite a bit, here's one line I found For many who did National Service after the Second World War Colchester is always associated with 'the glasshouse' - the Military Corrective Training Centre ... Elaine

I am surprised that the Service Record does not show the reason for being sent to Colchester but a seven day term there would not have been for anything too serious - maybe the reason that the Record doesn't show. The 'glasshouse' was not merely for army personnel as I can remember having to co-escort an R A F guy there.

Elaine I did hvae a google but nothing relevant came up, i've now mailed Essex RO asking if they have or know where any records might be. Joe Thats exactly what we thought it can't have been anything major, cos 7 days isn't really that much. I was just curious to be honest, as you hear so much about the Colchester and the glasshouse. His record states.... Awarded 168hrs detention and forfeits five days pay for misconduct on 30.05.41. It then states it took place at Colchester. So to be honest it may not even be the famous glasshouse, just punishment at the normal barracks?????

There is a Miitary corrective in Colchester I have worked there from time to time in my job. Most people are in there because they go AWOL. Some have done more serious crimes & are in there sometimes for a few weeks or longer.