The camp at Larton,[1] then in Cheshire, was actually located 3 mi (4.8 km) from West Kirby village, from which it took its name.

The camp entrance was on Saughall Massie Road, almost opposite Oldfield Lane.

Known as a "square bashing camp" in the vernacular, it was the very first base (after kitting out at RAF Cardington) of most personnel there during the 1940s to 1960, although the final passing out parade took place on 20 December 1957.

Recruits normally spent a period of eight weeks, (later on 6 weeks) on their training at West Kirby before being posted on to their "trade training" camp elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

Approximately 150,000 conscripts went through its gates up until 1960,[3] when the camp was demolished and the land converted back into farming fields.