THE War Office was planning at this time a century ago to expand Worcester's Norton Barracks, doubling its size at what was then the huge cost of £50,000.

Berrow's Journal explained: "Owing to the formation of two new line battalions of the Worcestershire Regiment, the War Office intends to convert the present Brigade Depot at Norton Barracks into a double one.

"New blocks will be erected to accommodate officers, single men and married couples, and also a sergeants' mess. Norton Barracks will consequently become a much more important military centre when the war in South Africa is over. The cost is estimated at £50,000.

"At the moment the barracks are sparsely occupied as the trained men are being continually sent as re-enforcements to the battalions of the Worcestershire Regiment serving in South Africa."

The sprawling buildings of Norton Barracks were, of course, all demolished in recent years to make way for housing development - that is, with the exception of the historic Keep, though this has been converted to apartments.

Still on a military theme, a well-known Worcestershire vicar was given further decorations 50 years ago in recognition of his lengthy service as an army chaplain.

The Journal stated: "The Rev B.J Isaac, MBE, TD, MA, the Vicar of Wichenford, has been told by the War Office that he has been awarded the 1st, 2nd and 3rd clasps to the Territorial Decoration.

"Mr Isaac was Chaplain to the 7th Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment for 15 years until 1950, although his Territorial service dates from 1915.

''He is a former Minor Canon of Worcester Cathedral and Chaplain to Worcester Royal Infirmary and Newtown Hospital.

"He served two mayors of Worcester as their Chaplain and said the prayers when the foundation stone was laid for the widened and reconstructed Worcester Bridge at the start of the 1930s."