THE HOME GUARD

The Knottingley Branch of the 48th West Riding Home Guard, World War Two

During the Second World War 1206 men of the Home Guard lost their lives and 557 were seriously injured. Two members were awarded the George Cross while 13 George Medals were awarded for bravery whilst in service.

Although it has been argued whether the Home Guard could have offered any serious resistance to an armed invasion of professional, battle hardened troops, it should not be forgotten that the men who volunteered laid down their lives for freedom and for some, this became a reality.

After the Dunkirk evacuation of May 1940, the War Minister, Anthony Eden called for a new line of defence to be created to safeguard positions on home soil. It was to be known as the Local Defence Volunteers (L.D.V) and accepted recruits between 17and 65 years of age. Unlike the conventional military forces, the only basic requirement for entry was of acceptable health and the ability to be mobile.

The initial response was overwhelming with nearly 250,000 men signing up to join in the first week at their local police stations and by the beginning of July the numbers had reached 500,000. It was during this period that Winston Churchill suggested the renaming of the organisation to 'The Home Guard' and it affectionately became known as 'Dads Army' becoming immortalised on British television in the successful 1960/70’s hit comedy of the same name.

In the early days the uniform consisted of a cap and an armband but by December 1940 the Home Guard was properly kitted out with standard army issue uniforms and official weapons, albeit old, outdated Enfield rifles, which had seen service in the first World War.

The main task of the Home Guard was to keep watch over public buildings, coastal areas, railways, roads and any possible positions where an invasion could arrive, whether by sea or by air. They also carried out important tasks such as arresting and safeguarding German airmen who had to bale out of their aircraft during combat, before the official authorities arrived to collect them. This was especially important during the Battle of Britain as tensions were running high among the general public and fears of reprisals against downed Germans was always a real possibility.

As the war progressed the role of the Home Guard became less involved and the organisation was finally disbanded after the war in Europe was over.