Copyright, James Fenton, not to be used without permission
On joining the Local Defence Volunteers in Oswaldtwistle at the onset of its formation, the unit was linked with The East Lancashire Regiment and occupied their barracks in Moscow Mill Street. Tactics were to patrol the surrounding moors and vulnerable parts of the town to delay an attack in the event of an airborne invasion. A duty that continued until I was called up for military service in the Royal Artillery, July 1942. There were three main Guard Posts. 1, A vacant house, Stanhill. 2, Isolation Hospital on the moors. 3, United Dairies Plant, West End, and of course the barracks.
The crisis facing Britain in nineteen thirty-nine
Provoked a war with Germany to bring her into line.
As France was overwhelmed and chose capitulation
A serious threat to England became a Hun invasion.
With Hitler at the channel ports and Britain unprepared
The prospects of survival were assessed with due regard.
To counteract the danger a grandiose scheme was planned
That local groups form units into watchful bands
And train as novice soldiers with bayonets, guns, and bombs
Establishing defences of beaches, farms, and homes.
Throughout the entire country Premier Churchill’s aim
Requested boys and elders to forge a stalwart chain.
Response from every quarter by young and old commenced
Instilled ecstatic ardour for Britain’s self defence.
Men denied enlistment in specialist occupation
And youths awaiting ‘call-up’ keen to see some action,
Unfit for active service but with willingness at heart
All thronged recruitment centres intent to play their part.
Throughout the hours of daylight most were working hard
With night-time leisure forfeit when they were sent to guard.
No uniforms were issued or weapons close to hand
But right from the beginning faith throughout the land
Prevailed to save the nation if enemies should come
And land within the boundaries of Britain’s island home.
A simple khaki armband with letters L D V
Was worn with proud distinction for all about to see.
‘Local’ and ‘Defence’ the logo, ‘V’ for ‘Volunteers’
A skittish name ‘Dad’s Army’ encouraged smiles and jeers.
Veterans of the last war recalled their fighting skill
Some appointed ‘sergeant’ to train squads and to drill.
Wholehearted dedication strengthened day by day
Inspired to fight for freedom dispelling all dismay,
And should invaders venture forth to occupy and ravish?
A clownish joke was banded round, ‘Look - Duck - Vanish!’
The project gained momentum and plans for its success
At last gave way to uniforms and military dress
But only worn on duty or outposts through the night,
Expecting men like Nelson ‘Do your duty stand and fight.’
‘Home Guard’ became a name change for military unction
‘King’s Rules and Regulations’ were adopted without option
‘Shoulder flash’ and ‘badges’ all worn with obvious pride
Distinguishing the counties where defenders did reside.
Grenades and guns were issued five bullets for each man,
Live shooting practise woeful “...just do the best you can.”
“Aircraft recognition and the art of camouflage.”
“Silent sentry duty laced with subterfuge.”
“Cocktails made with petrol sealed in bottles with a wick.”
“Hand to hand close combat,” was yet another trick,
All practised to perfection at evening and weekend
Enthusiasm flourished with Britain to defend.
Churches’ and cathedrals’ bells forbidden they should peal
But if assault troops landed to ring out with great zeal.
A link-line by the telephone between each guarded post
Sighted where an enemy attack would suffer most
And several groups of sentries dispersed around the towns
Offered some protection when the sun went down.
Signals spelling danger were expressed in colour codes
Relayed throughout all units to keep them on their toes.
Purple’ was the first alert and then the next code ‘red’
Warning all defenders expect the enemy overhead.
Soon the droning bombers shed incendiaries and H.E.
Causing mass destruction in the hope that we would plea
For peace, and give Heir Hitler power throughout the land
To rule the entire country with his infamous hand.
When the raid was over the relief was quite profound
If the signal ‘white’ prevailed until the dawn came round.
Each twelve-hour guard was tedious for sentries stood in pairs
And on the darkest nights were uttered many silent prayers.
Two hours on, and four hours off, the leisure time was spent
Playing cards and gambling till everyone was skint
Except for one, the winner, with a gambler’s lucky streak
Trudging home to breakfast without a good night’s sleep.
Trepidation for the Home Guard was the threat that air invasion
Might overpower defenders to accomplish full submission
But, never in full glory was it called upon to act
To do what it was trained for in wartime to react
And resist a foreign enemy; or ever sought to brag That it helped to save the Nation, and the Union flag.
As allies conquered Europe with the enemy in retreat
The Home Guard’s role in Britain was rendered obsolet
BIG STEVE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP ON THE LAMB FAMILY OF 337 UNION ROAD OSWALDTWISTLE THEY LEFT OSSY ABOUT 1979 IF YOU HAVE ANY INFO YOU CAN CONTACT STEVE ON THIS EMAIL ADDRESS
bigsteve2255@yahoo.co.uk ( thanks)
