HISTORIES OF HAGLEY - HAGLEY WW2
We marched from the station, up several lanes lined with quaint homes, surrounded by lovely gardens, and arrived at Oldfield House, where we were served a hot meal, cooked by some of our American GI's who had been brought over from another camp for the occasion.
Then off to bed in Oldfield House. It was dark and we couldn't see what the place looked like. But we had proof that it was nice without waiting until morning. Because we slept on the floors, and they were of the VERY BEST HARDWOOD.
The entire next day was spent in the assignment of billets, cleaning up and looking over the village of Hagley. Before nightfall, life had begun for Hagley, meaning their quiet sleepy life had been intruded upon in no uncertain terms.
Oldfield House was a rich man's home with very beautiful grounds. The owner who had, by request, leased the place to his government for the duration, was a famous cricket star. We set up offices in the house, held formations on the pretty lawns, and in general, as only a herd of GI's can, gradually started the beating down of the place. But, of course, the field next door and the flower gardens were properly weeded and cared for by our extra duty boys, with Grafton T. West, leading all the rest.
The first night in Hagley, after being settle comfortably in our billets, brought many a morning after report on the qualities of the Woodman's, Spenser's Arms, The Gypsy's Tent, Lyttleton Arms, and the Station Inn. These pubs must have thought they had undergone another blitz. And business roared for ten whole weeks. Closing time was at 10 pm each and every night. And there was still time after that to walk home in daylight.
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