Larkhill Camp
     

When Ada left Guernsey she didn't go straight to France. Postcards written to and by her, place her at the Salvation Army Hut, Camp 15, Larkhill, Salisbury Plain from April to November 1917.

We don't know yet whether there was any official training there, as there was for the newly arrived or recruited soldiers, or if she and the other Salvation Army workers were just learning by working with more experienced staff.

The Salvation Army Hut on the Packway at Larkhill Camp.

The Salvation Army Hut on the Packway at Larkhill Camp.

What is certain is that the Salvation Army had a significant presence on the Plain.

 
Postcard of NW view of Salisbury Cathedral sent by Ada to her mother in 1917
"Dear Mum
I do hope you are better you still get these nasty cold bouts. I hope you are not worrying about me as I am quite alright. I am getting quite fat & rosy cheeked & at night I sleep like a top only sometimes I would like a kiss from mum but never mind. I am happy in doing my bit. I have my uniform it looks tip top & will have my bonnet soon & I will have my photograph taken & if you like you can put them it in the Evening Press as one doing her bit; so au revoir for now excuse scribbly cards but I can't write long letters all around so ta ta and don't worry. I am keeping my place and as happy as can be; only one thing I want a letter from France.

Be good Mum
Your loving daughter
Ada

This is the cathedral we went inside."
Postcard
Postcard

What is certain is that the Salvation Army had a significant presence on the Plain. By 15th May 1915 they had 20 buildings there, and on the back page of an International Staff Band programme for 24th May 1915, there is an article headed "Where you will find the Salvation Army in the Camps at Home and in France".

SA camps on Salisbury Plain included:

The Salvation Army Soldiers' Rest, Codford Camp (7)
The Salvation Army Soldiers' Rest, Codford Camp (3)
The Salvation Army Soldiers' Rest, Durrington Camp
The Salvation Army Soldiers' Rest, Rolleston Camp
The Salvation Army Soldiers' Rest, Larkhill Camp (15)

Also from 1915 to the end of the war, the War Cry carried a page entitled "Christ in the Camps", dealing with their work in England and abroad. The cinema at Larkhill, the Garrison Theatre, Bulford and the Riding School, Tidworth were used for meetings.

Salisbury Plain now