Ardwick Barracks

[Robert Bonner]

During WWII, after the 8th Battalion had moved out of their HQ on Ardwick Green, I believe that for most of the wartime period the drill hall was used by the Military Police as a 'lockup'.  This would have housed deserters and absentees when apprehended and waiting for escorts to return them to their own unit
Can anyone confirm this in any way?

[george.theshed197]

I can definitely confirm your statements Bob about the Redcaps using Ardwick as a' holding centre' - I was picked up from the Ritz Ballroom for not having my leave pass on me when they did a check and was 'escorted' to Ardwick Green where I got a phone call to my father who came down with my leave pass. There must have been close on fifty or so servicemen being held  that night alone, just before Christmas 1944. I was given a right dressing down by a young Provost Marshall lieutenant who didn't look old enough to have been in the Cadets let alone RMP before being allowed to leave. My Dad used to pull my leg about it many years afterwards.
Take care,
George.
PS I bet you never expected confirmation from this quarter!!!

[Robert Bonner]

George.
Having known you for all these years I never suspected that you could have ever got on the wrong side of the military police!!!
Many thanks for the infm which is a great help.

[george.theshed197]

OOOPS!!
Halo tarnished - mind you they were redhot around the Manchester area, especially the railway stations during and just after the war; coming on leave or travelling anywhere you ran the gauntlet at least half a dozen times between their check-points and the 'roamers' before you got into/out of the station and then there was always the chance of being picked up on Cross Street/Corporation Street or Market Street/Piccadily and London Road. Another bad spot was Peter Street because of the YM and YWCA's and the Red Cross (American of course!!) on Deansgate. Between the 'Redcaps' and the 'Snowdrops' you didn't stand a chance!!
Happy ? Days.
George.