August 27 1943
THE HOME GUARD
FORMIDABLE PART IN FUTURE ALLIED STRATEGY
“The Home Guard must now become capable of taking a great deal of the burden of home defence on to themselves and thus set free the bulk of the trained troops for the assault on the strongholds of the enemy’s power”
Mr Churchill’s words, broadcast last May described to a listening world the new role that Britain’s two million Home Guards were about to play in the winning of the war.
Since Mr Churchill spoke, our Field Force, having swept the Axis from North Africa, has forced an entry into the enemy’s own territory and driven him out of Sicily. There is no reason to assume that the invasion of Italy is an isolated affair. Had the Allied High Command a slogan on its wall it might well read – “More and bigger invasions.”
The Home Guard plays today a more formidable part in future allied strategy than perhaps it realises. With a confidence born of security on the Home Front, our High Command can plan ahead to utilise to the full the vast and highly specialised Field Force now at its disposal. The security is today in the keeping of the Home Guard.
Civilians and soldiers, too, Home Guards go from stook to Sten, from lathe to Battle Drill. They play a vital role in their civilian jobs as well. The war output of those 2,000,000 men is another factor on which the High Command can calculate with confidence.
Now in the fourth year of an exuberant existence, the defence force carried on with the training. From time to time it vies, not always unsuccessful, on exercise and shooting range, with the youngsters of the Field Force.
It is well known that fingers itch, now and again, round Home Guard triggers. “The sky over Britain is searched – the word “hopefully” might almost be added – for the swarms of Nazi parachutists, bent on sabotage and worse, that are the Home Guard’s special prey.
The hardship – and the glory – of a Catania and an El Alemein must be denied to those men. They were called on by Mr Churchill to guard well the light of freedom that burns so brilliantly within these islands. By night and by day, the Premier’s order is obeyed.
The Home Guard remains on guard. It will continue to do so until the last All Clear echoes through the land.
Huntly Express December 15. 1944
THE HOME GUARD
GLASS PLATOON’S FAREWELL SUPPER
Last Friday evening, the Glass platoon of the Home Guard were entertained in the form of a farewell supper by their commander, Lieut. John A. Ingleby. The guest of honour was the Battalion Commander, Col. R.J.B. Yates, D.S.O. and also present were the Company Commander, Major H. R. Spence, L.B.E., his second-in-command, Captain Wm Farquharson and C,S.M> Wm. Charles.
After the loyal toast, Lieut. Ingleby addressed the company and in course of his remarks paid high tribute to the untiring efforts of the Commanding Officer, the Company Commander and his staff, manifested so clearly by their assistance and courtesy at all times, resulting in the fine spirit evident throughout the battalion. He also thanked the members of the platoon for the loyal service they had given him for the past 4 ½ years.
Col. Yates and Major Spence also addressed the company and both stressed the point that while the Home Guard had now officially been “stood down” it would be regrettable, to say the least, if it was allowed to pass completely out of existence. They both advocated the formation of Home Guard Rifle Clubs as a means of retaining the efficiency which had been gained during the past years and at the same time promoting such efficiency among the younger generation adding that the formation of such clubs would help to keep alive the grand social spirit which had been evident all along among men from all walks of life. This suggestion met with unanimous approval.
Following the presentation of “marksman” badges to a number of the men by Col. Yates, Pte. J. Mackie, the oldest serving member on behalf of the platoon, presented Lieut. Ingleby with an original water colour picture, suitably inscribed by Jackson Simpson. Pte. Mackie spoke of Lieut. Inglebys loyal and untiring service as platoon commander, adding that every endeavour had been made by him to ensure that the platoon was one of the most efficient in the Company.
Lieut. Ingleby suitably acknowledged.
Sgt. McIrvine thanked Lieut. And Mrs Ingleby for the very generous manner in which they had entertained the platoon and an evening in which there were interludes of community singing, recitations, stories and accordion selections by a number of the platoon members, was much enjoyed by everyone present.
On the call of Lieut. R.M. Robertson, Mr Harvey Nicoll and his staff were thanked for the efficiency and excellence of their catering.