Some unissued "10" numerals on a section of a roll.
The dashes are the cutting lines, the dots are the folding indicators.
The dashes are the cutting lines, the dots are the folding indicators.
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A Proficiency certificate (sorry for the blurred rear picture, it's not mine, just added for interest).
According to research by Jon Mills and Terry Carney in their (superb) book "The Insignia and Uniforms of the LDV and the Home Guard 1940-1944" (2008) these were first considered in late 1940 (possibly influenced by a similar Victorian era badge on Volunteer's uniforms), and were first seen on uniforms in late 1941. The badge was a simple red wool diamond, 1" square (see example on above L/ Cpl bd blouse).Comment
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One of the numerous post-war histories of the Home Guard units, this one (published in 1947) is dedicated to the 7 Home Guard battalions raised by the staff of London Transport.
I doubt that these type of histories will ever be reprinted.
Note the senior officer wearing the 1903 pattern leather belt, more commonly associated with the 'Other Ranks'. Officers often wore a web type 37 pattern belt (with pistol and holster).Last edited by PaulW; 09-28-2016, 07:34 PM.Comment
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The contents page of the above book.Comment
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The "Defence " magazine also incorporated "Home Guard monthly" giving a round up of what the Home Guard were doing around the UK. No doubt to encourage competition among the battalions to some extent!
This is the August 1943 issue. By now the invasion threat had receded and the Home Guard had different priorities, public order, helping out after air raids, Bomb disposal, manning Anti-aircraft guns and so on. There was also a fear that the German's might still parachute in saboteurs etc.
According to accounts I have read, the Home Guard was also considered useful to give preparatory training to young recruits who had not yet been called up to the regular armed forces. Although the HG began as a volunteer force, membership became compulsory by 1942.Last edited by PaulW; 09-28-2016, 08:18 PM.Comment
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Adverts on the rear cover for the various Home Guard publications that the keen HG could purchase to hone his skills!
These included map-reading, camouflage, aircraft recognition etcComment
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Great stuff!
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The September 1943 issue.Comment
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More from the same issue.Comment
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This is the January 1945 issue of Defence. Notice that "Home Guard Monthly" is no longer incorporated, the Home Guard had 'stood down' in December 1944. However, references are still made to the HG.Comment
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More from the January 1945 issue.
After the 'Stand Down' parades at the end of 1944 the Home Guard were allowed to keep their uniforms complete with insignia, something modern collectors should be thankful for! Although the Home Guard had stood down, they were not officially disbanded until December 1945. Although the HG no longer had their original purpose, the war was not over yet...
It was noted in this issue, that just as the United Kingdom was beginning to stand their Home Guard down (starting from October 1944), Germany was raising their own Home Guard, the Volksturm...Last edited by PaulW; 09-28-2016, 08:19 PM.Comment
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Some more pages form the January 1945 issue.
Home Guard members were encouraged to form associations and rifle clubs etc after the 'Stand down'. I think it was 'just in case' !Last edited by PaulW; 09-28-2016, 08:24 PM.Comment
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The back page of the January 1945 issue. No more adverts for Home Guard publications, they are already keep-sakes!
The Defence Medal was awarded to Home Guards who had served for at least 3 years, or 3 months in a Bomb Disposal Unit.
Regards, PaulLast edited by PaulW; 09-28-2016, 08:32 PM.Comment
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Some colour footage!
A link to some colour footage of the London Home Guard apparently shot by an amateur film-maker called Rosie Newman on 5th January 1941:-
http://www.iwm.org.uk/history/rare-c...real-dads-army
Note the lack of the familiar Home Guard shoulder flashes and battalion letters and numbers (use of armbands instead), as this insignia was introduced later in 1941. Also, the predominance of the brown leather 1903 pattern belts, also worn by the Officers.
The soldiers seem to be well (and uniformly) equipped, although in the top clip (bayonet practice), at about 15 seconds in, one soldier can be seen to be wearing a blue-grey helmet?
Regards, PaulComment
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