“My Life in the Army (1921–1928)” by Levi Armsby (Part 2)

A detailed first-hand memoir by Fenland-born Levi Armsby describing his enlistment in the Suffolk Regiment, training at Bury St Edmunds and service in Ireland between 1921 and 1928.

My Life in the Army (1921–1928)

This memoir continues the life story of Levi Armsby, describing his move from Fenland agricultural work into the British Army in the early 1920s.

It follows his journey from:

• Ten Mile Bank and Ely
• Enlistment at Bury St Edmunds
• Training and barrack life
• Deployment to Ireland

(see opening pages describing the journey and enlistment)

 

 

Leaving the Fens

Armsby recalls travelling by train through Littleport and Ely, looking out over the Fenland landscape where he had worked in earlier years.

This moment captures a clear turning point:

leaving agricultural labour for military life

Enlistment and arrival

On arrival at Bury St Edmunds, Armsby entered the depot of the Suffolk Regiment.

He describes:

• guarded entrances and formal procedures
• soldiers with bayonets
• initial uncertainty and adjustment

Recruits came from across East Anglia, forming new social groups.

Training and discipline

Army life was structured around strict routines:

• early reveille
• drill and parade
• inspections and discipline

Armsby recalls:

• learning correct saluting
• fear of punishment
• the importance of hierarchy

Kit and equipment

Recruits were issued a full set of equipment, including:

• uniform and boots
• rifle and bayonet
• personal kit

This marked the transition from civilian to soldier.

(see detailed equipment list)

Barracks Life

Daily life included:

• cleaning duties
• inspections
• shared accommodation

Social life centred on:

• the NAAFI canteen
• friendships with fellow recruits
• occasional leisure in town

Humour and punishment

The memoir includes vivid incidents such as:

• drill mistakes causing laughter
• punishment duties
• misunderstandings with officers

These show both discipline and camaraderie.

Illness and recovery

Armsby describes developing a septic leg during training and being sent to hospital.

Despite falling behind his unit, he later rejoined training.

Links to home

Even while training, Armsby remained connected to Fenland life:

• visits home
• family relationships
• thoughts of supporting relatives

Deployment to Ireland

A major transition came with deployment.

He describes:

• travel via Liverpool
• a difficult sea crossing
• severe seasickness

(see sea journey description)

Service in Ireland

In Ireland, duties included:

• guarding internment camps
• sentry work
• patrols

The landscape and conditions were unfamiliar and sometimes tense.

Danger and responsibility

Armsby records incidents involving:

• attempted escapes
• strict sentry rules
• use of firearms

These highlight the risks faced by soldiers.

Everyday army life

Across the memoir, a consistent picture emerges of:

• discipline
• endurance
• camaraderie

Alongside:

• humour
• friendships
• personal development