Home Guard Instructions

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Phaethon
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Joined: 07 Apr 2002, 22:14

Home Guard Instructions

#1

Post by Phaethon » 26 Mar 2003, 23:46

Here's a little snippet of life in wartime Britain found amongst my father's papers. He was in the Home Guard prior to joining the RN Patrol Service and this is a transcript from a typewritten notice that was to be displayed in all homeguardsmen's homes.:
FIX THIS SHEET IN YOUR HOME
WERE YOU CAN ALWAYS SEE IT.

To:- ALL HOMEUARDSMEN.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT THE FOLLOWING.

We all know the Germans are ruthless and will stop at nothing when they
arrive. The ringing of church bells is going to be a great and grave thrill,
especially to those who know what war can be like.
This thrill and excitement must not be the signal, or excuse, for men (who
happen to be home) turning out only half equipped. You may be mobilized 1 day,
2days, 2 months, who knows? Then that suggests you are going to want your
great coat, your shaving kit, socks etc., for your own personal comfort. If
you remember that we have no intention of allowing the enemy to take our homes
and country, you will get to your post, night or day, quickly and properly
prepared
. In changing clothes, care must be taken not to leave identity cards
“in other pockets" as the wearing of khaki will count for nothing if you are not
in possession of your National Identity Card.
To remind the old hands of what is required, and to advise the new hands, you
are requested to post this in a convenient place at home; for instant reference,
say, in your bedroom.

WHEN MOBILIZED, YOU MUST BRING THESE
ITEMS WITH YOU FOR YOUR OWN BENEFIT.

IDENTITY CARD,
GAS MASK
EYES SHIELDS.
OINTMENT. ANTI GAS.
1st. AID OUTFIT (FIRST FIELD DRESSING).
GREAT COAT.
STEEL HELMET.
SOAP AND TOWEL.
SHAVING KIT.
BOOT BRUSH.
TOOTH BRUSH.
SOCKS. SPARE PAIRS.
FOOD. (For at least 10 hours if possible).

Pay particular attention to the safety catch on your rifle whilst among
pals. AT NO TIME unless facing the enemy, must you release the trigger of a
cocked rifle until you have pointed that rifle to the floor or up in the air.
Safety catches TO THE REAR on all loaded rifles except when in action.
If you have the slightest compunction about shooting to kill you are
wasting you time in the HOME GUARD
. The enemy is out to get YOU, GET HIM
FIRST – AND AIM FOR HIS STOMACH
.

Cheers,

K.
--
Ken Cocker, London

Caldric
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska

#2

Post by Caldric » 27 Mar 2003, 00:08

thanks for posting that very interesting!


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Aufklarung
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Joined: 17 Mar 2002, 05:27
Location: Canada

#3

Post by Aufklarung » 27 Mar 2003, 00:50

Interesting stuff, Phaethon. Thanx for the post.
I bet that "Ointment. Anti-gas" wasn't too good for the skin!! :lol: Anyone know was it consisted of?
Regards
A :)

Phaethon
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Posts: 935
Joined: 07 Apr 2002, 22:14

#4

Post by Phaethon » 27 Mar 2003, 14:08

Can't find the ingredients, but it would seem to be for the after-effects of contact with mustard gas as this snippet from http://www.levett76.fsnet.co.uk/My%20Story.doc suggests
On one training session we were marched to the Gas Chamber. This was a small, brick built hut without windows. Before entering the hut a small quantity of Mustard Gas was placed on the back of our hands. This was allowed there long enough for it to start to sting. We were then allowed to apply Ointment Anti-Gas to the affected place.
K.

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Ike_FI
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Posts: 578
Joined: 04 Dec 2002, 22:32
Location: Helsinki. Finland

Re: Home Guard Instructions

#5

Post by Ike_FI » 12 Apr 2003, 17:08

Phaethon wrote:Here's a little snippet of life in wartime Britain found amongst my father's papers. He was in the Home Guard prior to joining the RN Patrol Service and this is a transcript from a typewritten notice that was to be displayed in all homeguardsmen's homes
That's an interesting tidbit. By the way, have you ever written here (or elsewhere) about your father's experiences in the Home Guard? Was he also practising some civilian profession at the same time?

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