Sandbeck Park

[jon's researcher]

I have come across a photograph of soldiers on initial training at Sandbeck Park, Maltby, near Rotherham and was wondering if anyone had any information about this please.

[badger123456]

Any idea of a date or which unit the picture shows?

Sandbeck Hall and Park was (and still is) the home of the Earl of Scarbrough. The park was used before the war for training as well as during.

One of the first units to use the estate was the 5th Battalion Yorks and Lancs (Rotherham and Barnsley battalion TF). According to their war diary, they were mobilised at Rotherham on 4th August 1914 and proceeded by 'march route to Sandbeck Park' just a few miles outside Rotherham.

[jon's researcher]

Thanks for your reply badger123456. I know that at least three of the soldiers on the photograph were from Dinnington, South Yorkshire. I believe they did some basic training at Sandbeck before being posted to various battalions of the York and Lancashire Regiment. This was probably late August 1914. I have a feeling it could have been the 7th battalion. My sources are all very vague so was wondering if anyone could verify it.

[badger123456]

Jon's researcher, I've just looked at where you are located, I'm in North Anston!!!!!!

I believe that some of the 5th Bn men were sent to other battalions. I've sent you a pm.