GUARDING THE HOMEFRONT

The Home Guard enjoyed only a brief existence, but within its four-plus years of service it transformed from an ad hoc, poorly equipped collection of units into a force good enough to be entrusted with the bulk of home defence duties as the regular army invaded western Europe.

Always adapting, in response to different requirements and perceptions, the men and women of the Home Guard patiently prepared and waited for the moment when their country would need them. Although that did not materialise in genuine action for the majority, they still provided an invaluable service, and it should never be forgotten that they were training for an extremely dangerous eventuality – an invasion of Britain by the formidable forces of Nazi Germany. The Home Guard had a mission that has not often been understood. Some pointed and laughed at the men who, for one reason or another, were not in the army. They doubted their ability to match Germany’s battle-hardened soldiers, but that was never their main purpose.

The Home Guard was tasked with holding up an invading force, slowing down its advance to give time for the limited