No 30 Physical Development Centre

Hi,

Does anyone have any information about No 30 Physical Development Centre or any other Physical Development centre?

According to my Grandfathers pay book, Cpl John Darvill the Essex Regiment, he attend a course at No 30 in July 1942 being graded A1 and promoted to Sergeant two months later. He was either still with the 10th Battalion the Essex Regiment or was an instructor at No 1 ITC Warley at the time.

I wondered if it had anything to do with the 10th Battalion converting to the 9th Battalion the Parachute Regiment later that Year.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. I have requested his service record but am still awaiting a copy and his Pay book only gives minimal information.

Regards,
Dean Darvill

 

Hi Dean,
My father was posted to Y-List barely 4 weeks into basic training in early 1942 and was later sent to No 30 PDC.
It was located in Kingston upon Thames. I am trying to find the exact location, but suspect it was part of former barracks in Kings Road near Richmond Park.

Steve

 

There are many online sources, when checked many do not help - principally as most refer to a photo taken there, minus any physical location. A second online search with: "Physical Development Centre" + "Kingston upon Thames" found numerous Facebook group mentions:

Hope that helps.

 

Many thanks

 

Many thanks

 

Dean,

Please update the thread on the location when you can.

 

Will do

 

Had a chance to do some searching this evening.

The No. 30 Physical Development Centre (PDC) in Kingston upon Thames was established during WWII (under Army Council Instruction 2145) to build up the body mass and stamina of underweight recruits. It was located at the historic Kingston Barracks (also known as the Home Park Barracks) on Penrhyn Road (postcode KT1 2QL). Key Historical Details:

• Purpose: Created to take "underweight" and physically underdeveloped young recruits and put them through rigorous conditioning to prepare them for infantry combat.
• Regime: Veterans of the facility often recall everything was done "at the double," drastically increasing their cardiovascular fitness and preparing them for further training.

Documents :

Photocopy of report on Army Physical Development Centres and handbooks for the A.P.T.C. instructors

Army Council instruction leaflet no. 30: Physical Development Centre, Kingston-on-Thames