Box Home Guard Clive Banks and Sally Hicks; Major J Morley (courtesy Philip Martin)
The formal photograph of the Box Home Gurad issued at the end of the conflict (various contributors)
So much has been written and portrayed on television about the Home Guard, "Dad's Army", that you might think there is nothing new to tell. But I have never seen a record of the work of the Box Home Guard until now. There were always the two views of the service: the comedic similarity with "Dad's Army" of elderly and teenage men left over from active service; and the vital military role they played as the last line of defence against any German invasion of the country. This article tells both sides of the story, starting with memories by Clive Banks and his cousin Sally Hicks.
Clive Banks and Sally Hicks Recall Dad's Army in Box February 2017
Ernie Barnet (who for some reason known to villagers as Kruger) was recalled by Bill Cooper as a great Box character. Ernie was part of the Box Home Guard when they were based in the British Legion Club. On the day that the Box Home Guard Brigade were expecting an invasion from the Bath Brigade in order to test their response, Ernie was in the building when he should have been delivering an urgent message to repel the initial invasion. His excuse for not doing so was lack of petrol.
However it seems that our hero Ernie did eventually rise to the occasion. Sally Hicks was walking with her friend, Ann Browning, approaching the entrance to Box House, when they saw the Bath Home Guard advancing cautiously in a crouched position along the fence by the wide pavement. Suddenly Kruger leapt from the Box House gateway brandishing a gun, backed by other members of the Box Home Guard. He immediately shouted what Sally interpreted to be You're my prisoners ! Because of his speech impediment, due to a cleft palate, this was not entirely clear and Sally and Ann were left rather baffled and bewildered, as the Bath invaders must have been.
It is not recorded whether Bath surrendered. They must have felt that they had advanced into wild barbaric Wiltshire, and were rather outside their comfort zone. I suspect that they all retired to the Legion Club. Goodness knows what any Germans would have thought if they had been put in the same position.
The events which Clive and Sally recall were part of a civil defence simulation in August 1941. Local newspapers carried details under the title "Attack on Box".[1] On Saturday 6 August the Box Platoon of the 1st Wilts Battalion defended the village against an attack by the Bath Home Guard. There were three main assaults, along the A4 from Bath and flanking attacks from the north-west and the south-west. During the simulation, aircraft attacked the village and the Box ARP (Air Raid Precaution) personnel practised defensive measures. It doesn't sound as if it was entirely successful as "Useful lessons were learnt by both sides".
Ernie Barnet (who for some reason known to villagers as Kruger) was recalled by Bill Cooper as a great Box character. Ernie was part of the Box Home Guard when they were based in the British Legion Club. On the day that the Box Home Guard Brigade were expecting an invasion from the Bath Brigade in order to test their response, Ernie was in the building when he should have been delivering an urgent message to repel the initial invasion. His excuse for not doing so was lack of petrol.
However it seems that our hero Ernie did eventually rise to the occasion. Sally Hicks was walking with her friend, Ann Browning, approaching the entrance to Box House, when they saw the Bath Home Guard advancing cautiously in a crouched position along the fence by the wide pavement. Suddenly Kruger leapt from the Box House gateway brandishing a gun, backed by other members of the Box Home Guard. He immediately shouted what Sally interpreted to be You're my prisoners ! Because of his speech impediment, due to a cleft palate, this was not entirely clear and Sally and Ann were left rather baffled and bewildered, as the Bath invaders must have been.
It is not recorded whether Bath surrendered. They must have felt that they had advanced into wild barbaric Wiltshire, and were rather outside their comfort zone. I suspect that they all retired to the Legion Club. Goodness knows what any Germans would have thought if they had been put in the same position.
The events which Clive and Sally recall were part of a civil defence simulation in August 1941. Local newspapers carried details under the title "Attack on Box".[1] On Saturday 6 August the Box Platoon of the 1st Wilts Battalion defended the village against an attack by the Bath Home Guard. There were three main assaults, along the A4 from Bath and flanking attacks from the north-west and the south-west. During the simulation, aircraft attacked the village and the Box ARP (Air Raid Precaution) personnel practised defensive measures. It doesn't sound as if it was entirely successful as "Useful lessons were learnt by both sides".
Had Nazi Germany succeeded in invading Britain our national survival would have depended on our ability to slow down their advance, led mostly by the personnel of the Home Guard. Their ability to defend Box would have been severely tested without adequate armaments and comprised of the residue of youths and elderly residents left over from active military service.
D Company Box Home Guard under the control of Major John Morley (High Sheriff of Wiltshire from Alcombe Manor) was originally divided into separate platoons at Box, Colerne and a Headquarters. At times it comprised nearly 170 men:
Box village 89 men under Walter Scrine (solicitor from Kingsmoor House);
Ditteridge 35 men under Frederick Goulstone (farmer from Cheney Court Farm); Kingsdown 24 men under Henry Ancell (retired Bank Manager from Wormcliffe House); and
Wadswick 18 men under Bruce Gibbon (farmer from Wormwood Farm).[2]
In 1943 a special company was formed under Major A Lambert comprising 90 personnel from The Admiralty Underground Works to protect the factories with nine anti-aircraft guns.[3]
After the war, Major Morley wrote up the activities of the Home Gurad men under his command. He makes it clear that the work was serious but undertaken with considerable amusement and comradeship. Below are extracts from his diary.
D Company Box Home Guard under the control of Major John Morley (High Sheriff of Wiltshire from Alcombe Manor) was originally divided into separate platoons at Box, Colerne and a Headquarters. At times it comprised nearly 170 men:
Box village 89 men under Walter Scrine (solicitor from Kingsmoor House);
Ditteridge 35 men under Frederick Goulstone (farmer from Cheney Court Farm); Kingsdown 24 men under Henry Ancell (retired Bank Manager from Wormcliffe House); and
Wadswick 18 men under Bruce Gibbon (farmer from Wormwood Farm).[2]
In 1943 a special company was formed under Major A Lambert comprising 90 personnel from The Admiralty Underground Works to protect the factories with nine anti-aircraft guns.[3]
After the war, Major Morley wrote up the activities of the Home Gurad men under his command. He makes it clear that the work was serious but undertaken with considerable amusement and comradeship. Below are extracts from his diary.
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Diary of D Company, Box Home Guard
compiled Major J Morley (courtesy Philip Martin) from the first days of the LDV (Local Defence Volunteers) when Major Wade and I were trying to get things started, at a time when it was believed that great events might be expected at any moment, to the time when the Home Guard was stood down. All of the various localities in our Company area from the Ford end of the Colerne ground to Kingsdown Golf Course, from Wadswick to Ditteridge, from Box Station to Quarry Hill; each having such obvious claims as being both vulnerable and vital. Each section (as they then were) looked on their own particular area as the one and obvious place to expect the enemy. How impatiently we waited for arms and equipment, and of how little we started with, and of how much we seemed to accumulate (in) the various schemes for denying the main roads through Box to the enemy. The Bath Admiralty HG Commando Section's night attacks, particularly one in Colerne when nine of their own men crawled in at the back of a house and out at the front without the knowledge of the inmates; the house dog knew but was beguiled by one of the party who apparently had added dog-charming as an extra subject to his Commando training. How one of the same Commandos, in an effort to learn the password allowed a sentry to stand for some minutes on his knuckles, much to the detriment of the knuckles, but no doubt remembering the story of the Spartan boy and the fox, without disclosing his presence. |
Certificate of Proficiency for serving in the Home Guard issued to Phil Lambert (courtesy Margaret Wakefield)
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Lower Lease, with its camouflage training course and concrete gun emplacement, which latter will probably greatly puzzle archaeologists of the future. The Company HQ at Clock House where 2nd Lieutenant Fildes, supported by his willing staff, coped with much paper and a multitude of records so efficiently. The Intelligence Section, who put in so much work behind the scenes and produced by their own efforts maps worthy of an Army Topographical Unit. The time when the Company was responsible for guarding Middle Hill Tunnel, and how our hut, luckily when empty, was blown down on to the Great Western line and was met by an express train.
My thanks are due for the great support I always received from Captain Skrine when he was second in command, and from Captain Souter when he succeeded Captain Skrine loyally backed up by the Platoon Officers. There is one memory which I mention last as it stands out far above all the others; the memory of the good spirit and tone throughout the Company. Without this, nothing which we may have achieved could have been accomplished, and all our training would have been in vain. Also, apart from anything accomplished, I feel that the HG brought us all together in a common cause and created friendships and a spirit of unity which I hope will long continue.
Box Platoon 1939 - 1942 by Major Morley
The LDV Unit which became known later as D Company, 1st Wilts Battalion, HG came into being following a meeting held at Alcombe Manor, Box, within a few days of Mr Eden's wireless appeal. Owing to the scattered nature of the parish, Box was divided into four sections.
Box Platoon comprised Box Village, Ditteridge, Kingsdown and Wadswick Sections. A number of volunteers registered with the Police following the Government wireless appeal on 14 May 1940 and many others reported direct to the various Section Commanders. Within a few days, dawn patrols were organised and did duty on the high ground around the village at Box Hill, Kingsdown and Wadswick. After a week of dawn patrolling, working parties were detailed to prepare barricades with farm carts, knife-rest entanglements and other obstacles which were used forthwith to form road blocks at various strategic points on the main roads. These barriers were manned from dusk to dawn with eight men at each barrier doing duty in fours for 3½ hours each. All traffic and pedestrians were stopped and documents examined.
At this time 25 to 30 (men) were on duty every night, armed only with shotguns, a few .22 rifles, a couple of revolvers and a variety of home-made weapons. On 20 June, a system of Alarm Call up was introduced: two Boy Scouts to be on duty every night at Kingsmoor, one being detailed to call out the village LDV by bugle and the other to arrange for the ringing of the church bells. Outlying Sections to be called out by telephone, cyclists and runners. In July 1940 .300 rifles began to arrive.
My thanks are due for the great support I always received from Captain Skrine when he was second in command, and from Captain Souter when he succeeded Captain Skrine loyally backed up by the Platoon Officers. There is one memory which I mention last as it stands out far above all the others; the memory of the good spirit and tone throughout the Company. Without this, nothing which we may have achieved could have been accomplished, and all our training would have been in vain. Also, apart from anything accomplished, I feel that the HG brought us all together in a common cause and created friendships and a spirit of unity which I hope will long continue.
Box Platoon 1939 - 1942 by Major Morley
The LDV Unit which became known later as D Company, 1st Wilts Battalion, HG came into being following a meeting held at Alcombe Manor, Box, within a few days of Mr Eden's wireless appeal. Owing to the scattered nature of the parish, Box was divided into four sections.
Box Platoon comprised Box Village, Ditteridge, Kingsdown and Wadswick Sections. A number of volunteers registered with the Police following the Government wireless appeal on 14 May 1940 and many others reported direct to the various Section Commanders. Within a few days, dawn patrols were organised and did duty on the high ground around the village at Box Hill, Kingsdown and Wadswick. After a week of dawn patrolling, working parties were detailed to prepare barricades with farm carts, knife-rest entanglements and other obstacles which were used forthwith to form road blocks at various strategic points on the main roads. These barriers were manned from dusk to dawn with eight men at each barrier doing duty in fours for 3½ hours each. All traffic and pedestrians were stopped and documents examined.
At this time 25 to 30 (men) were on duty every night, armed only with shotguns, a few .22 rifles, a couple of revolvers and a variety of home-made weapons. On 20 June, a system of Alarm Call up was introduced: two Boy Scouts to be on duty every night at Kingsmoor, one being detailed to call out the village LDV by bugle and the other to arrange for the ringing of the church bells. Outlying Sections to be called out by telephone, cyclists and runners. In July 1940 .300 rifles began to arrive.
Home Guard armband courtesy Margaret Wakefield
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Strong points and OPs (Observation Posts) were also built, many evenings and Sundays being devoted to this work. At the end of July, road blocks and the stopping of traffic gave place to night patrolling and OP duty, cyclists being used as a means of communication.
In August 1940 came the first rifle shooting practice on the open range (a red letter event) and a little later the first Lewis Guns were received on which a course of instruction was given by Mr GRC Soutar. |
Signalling instruction under Lance Corporal C Lancaster was now a feature of the training and it was not long before all Sections had their own Signallers efficient in Semaphore and Morse. L/Cpl Lancaster was responsible for coaching the cadets when the corps was first formed. A Social Branch was formed and successfully organised by a committee appointed by various sections, with Sergt JH Milsom as honorary secretary.
The Year 1942 by Major Morley
Night duty during the winter of 1941-42 was similar to that of the previous winter with OP dawn duty commencing again in the spring of 1942 and continuing up to the cessation of night duties in August of the same year.
Firing practice was regularly carried out on both open and indoor ranges and this was generally accepted as the most enjoyable part of the training. A number of men attended specialist courses and a good deal of time was devoted to battle drill and tactical exercises.
No 1 Platoon, 1942-45 by DWF Taylor, Lieutenant
The Platoon Headquarters was at Lower Leaze. Work was soon in progress to strengthen this post and a considerable number of Sundays were occupied with pick, shovel and concrete mixer, in making an emplacement for the Spigot Mortar. Sites were also found for two Northover Projectors and several alternative positions for the LMG (Light Machine Gun). The Fougasse (explosive mine) was dug in and both sides of the road connected by Field Telephone, altogether making a formidable strong point.
During the early hours of Sunday morning an incident was staged which brought the Platoon to Action Stations. Wives and friends were invited to tea and entertained with demonstrations of Battle Drill, Arms Drill and Spigot Mortar Drill and First Aid. This concluded a very instructive and enjoyable weekend.
Continued efforts were made by the Platoon Commander and NCOs to maintain a high state of efficiency and at last a real Duty Order came, to guard Middle Hill Railway Tunnel. The thought of every Home Guard was that D-Day was near and all were full of enthusiasm to do duty, with still a hope of having a shot at the enemy. The Stand Down Order was received with a feeling of relief and yet, at the same time, with a feeling of regret, and when the Platoon attended the last parade of the Battalion at Chippenham, all realised they formed part of a very large and efficient army.
No 2 Platoon, 1942-45 by C McEwan, Lieutenant
Having got a standard of efficiency which considered fairly good, I carried my training still further in the training of bombers, Lewis Gunners, Northover and Spigot Mortar teams, also Field-craft and camouflage, in which the men became very interested and efficient. Exercises, night training and raids were arranged on other Platoons and this gave the men a chance to bring out their training and we, as a Platoon, were proud of our achievements.
We had a spirit of comradeship which made every man proud of his Platoon - each man picked his own pal and I demanded of all that each man stuck to his pal in and out of any tight corner they might find themselves in. This created a fine brotherly spirit which stuck to the platoon throughout its being and still stands today as the platoon has a monthly outing in Bath to a show and a few drinks.
Our HQ was a static defence post at Hill Farm and we had a defence which was never pierced by any Section or Platoon. The NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) and I worked out this defence on a large scale map (which one of my junior NCOs spent a great deal of time to produce) and a box of tacks which represented the defence.
My platoon was always self-supporting. I gave my men to understand that it was no use expecting the Quartermaster Stores to be round the corner with the rations and we produced some of the finest scroungers the British Army has ever seen. I remember one instance when the cook was busy getting the dinner ready with one or two NCOs, when we received the order to move off and I shall never forget the cook's face as he looked at me and said, Whatever am I going to do with all this, Sir? It's no use now.
I said, You carry on, I will arrange to come back for you and the stew, which I did. The fire was re-kindled and the stew brewed merrily on, every man enjoying a good dinner, including myself.
It is with regret we stand down as it brought a fine body of men together and I am proud to have commanded such men and to have instilled the spirit of comradeship which was so needed in the time we served. We are also happy that the part we played as Home Guards was no small matter in hastening the downfall of Prussianism and all that it stood for.
The Year 1942 by Major Morley
Night duty during the winter of 1941-42 was similar to that of the previous winter with OP dawn duty commencing again in the spring of 1942 and continuing up to the cessation of night duties in August of the same year.
Firing practice was regularly carried out on both open and indoor ranges and this was generally accepted as the most enjoyable part of the training. A number of men attended specialist courses and a good deal of time was devoted to battle drill and tactical exercises.
No 1 Platoon, 1942-45 by DWF Taylor, Lieutenant
The Platoon Headquarters was at Lower Leaze. Work was soon in progress to strengthen this post and a considerable number of Sundays were occupied with pick, shovel and concrete mixer, in making an emplacement for the Spigot Mortar. Sites were also found for two Northover Projectors and several alternative positions for the LMG (Light Machine Gun). The Fougasse (explosive mine) was dug in and both sides of the road connected by Field Telephone, altogether making a formidable strong point.
During the early hours of Sunday morning an incident was staged which brought the Platoon to Action Stations. Wives and friends were invited to tea and entertained with demonstrations of Battle Drill, Arms Drill and Spigot Mortar Drill and First Aid. This concluded a very instructive and enjoyable weekend.
Continued efforts were made by the Platoon Commander and NCOs to maintain a high state of efficiency and at last a real Duty Order came, to guard Middle Hill Railway Tunnel. The thought of every Home Guard was that D-Day was near and all were full of enthusiasm to do duty, with still a hope of having a shot at the enemy. The Stand Down Order was received with a feeling of relief and yet, at the same time, with a feeling of regret, and when the Platoon attended the last parade of the Battalion at Chippenham, all realised they formed part of a very large and efficient army.
No 2 Platoon, 1942-45 by C McEwan, Lieutenant
Having got a standard of efficiency which considered fairly good, I carried my training still further in the training of bombers, Lewis Gunners, Northover and Spigot Mortar teams, also Field-craft and camouflage, in which the men became very interested and efficient. Exercises, night training and raids were arranged on other Platoons and this gave the men a chance to bring out their training and we, as a Platoon, were proud of our achievements.
We had a spirit of comradeship which made every man proud of his Platoon - each man picked his own pal and I demanded of all that each man stuck to his pal in and out of any tight corner they might find themselves in. This created a fine brotherly spirit which stuck to the platoon throughout its being and still stands today as the platoon has a monthly outing in Bath to a show and a few drinks.
Our HQ was a static defence post at Hill Farm and we had a defence which was never pierced by any Section or Platoon. The NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) and I worked out this defence on a large scale map (which one of my junior NCOs spent a great deal of time to produce) and a box of tacks which represented the defence.
My platoon was always self-supporting. I gave my men to understand that it was no use expecting the Quartermaster Stores to be round the corner with the rations and we produced some of the finest scroungers the British Army has ever seen. I remember one instance when the cook was busy getting the dinner ready with one or two NCOs, when we received the order to move off and I shall never forget the cook's face as he looked at me and said, Whatever am I going to do with all this, Sir? It's no use now.
I said, You carry on, I will arrange to come back for you and the stew, which I did. The fire was re-kindled and the stew brewed merrily on, every man enjoying a good dinner, including myself.
It is with regret we stand down as it brought a fine body of men together and I am proud to have commanded such men and to have instilled the spirit of comradeship which was so needed in the time we served. We are also happy that the part we played as Home Guards was no small matter in hastening the downfall of Prussianism and all that it stood for.
Box Home Guard Farewell Supper in December 1944 (courtesy Philip Martin)
No 3 Platoon, 1942-45 by GR Cope, Lieutenant
Upon the reorganisation of D Company, Box Home Guard in March 1943, I was given the command of No 3 Platoon, comprising mainly of Wadswick and Kingsdown sections. It was a very scattered Platoon, reaching as far afield as Wormwood and Lower and Upper Wadswick on one side, and Kingsdown and Ashley on the other.
We were given our post at the Lye, which lies on the south side of Lower Leaze. Our role then being static, it was necessary to plan a system of defence. There was very little natural defence and, as the fields were being used as grazing for cattle, we could only have plans of trenches etc drawn on paper and in the event of Action Stations we should have had to set to, to get the necessary trenches dug.
The Platoon under my command was found to be the most unfortunate of the three in that the nearest buildings in which we could sleep were a matter of 300 to 400 yards away, which I considered was too far away from the post. But, at the practice weekend Stand-to I was able to acquire the use of two army tents. The weather for this camp was anything but good. This made it necessary to go scrounging for food from some housewives (who), I'm afraid, were left short of cakes for Sunday afternoon tea.
We must not forget Battle Drill in which great keenness was shown. I think we were second to none in this, so keen in fact that on one occasion, when a wall was the obstacle, one member took it with him! The remainder of the Sunday morning was spent
dry-walling. I must mention that the culprit carried on the movement as though nothing unusual had happened. Bruised limbs perhaps, but spirit - no; nothing could have bruised that; he was one of the keenest.
Headquarters Section by CH Fildes, Second Lieutenant
As a result of the first meting at Alcombe Manor in May 1940, CH Fildes formed the records and laid the basis of Company Offices. In the early days, no special office accommodation was provided, records being kept at Alcombe Manor and by CH Fildes at his home. For a time Mr AW Northey gave valuable assistance.
It was arranged that Battle Headquarters should be the Platoon HQ at Kingsmoor. This arrangement functioned until early in 1942 when premises were obtained at the Clock House, Box. Up to this time, Captain Skrine had been in command of Box Platoon and also 2nd in command of the Company. When he left the district in February 1943, Box was formed into three Platoons and Lieutenant GRC Souter was appointed Captain and 2nd in command of Company.
An Intelligence Section had been gradually built up under Sergeant Hogbin and, later, when an Intelligence Officer was appointed, he being unable to take on the responsibility owing to pressure of business, Corporal Lambert was appointed 2nd Lieutenant. The Company Office functioned throughout in complete harmony, and the whole staff worked unselfishly.
Upon the reorganisation of D Company, Box Home Guard in March 1943, I was given the command of No 3 Platoon, comprising mainly of Wadswick and Kingsdown sections. It was a very scattered Platoon, reaching as far afield as Wormwood and Lower and Upper Wadswick on one side, and Kingsdown and Ashley on the other.
We were given our post at the Lye, which lies on the south side of Lower Leaze. Our role then being static, it was necessary to plan a system of defence. There was very little natural defence and, as the fields were being used as grazing for cattle, we could only have plans of trenches etc drawn on paper and in the event of Action Stations we should have had to set to, to get the necessary trenches dug.
The Platoon under my command was found to be the most unfortunate of the three in that the nearest buildings in which we could sleep were a matter of 300 to 400 yards away, which I considered was too far away from the post. But, at the practice weekend Stand-to I was able to acquire the use of two army tents. The weather for this camp was anything but good. This made it necessary to go scrounging for food from some housewives (who), I'm afraid, were left short of cakes for Sunday afternoon tea.
We must not forget Battle Drill in which great keenness was shown. I think we were second to none in this, so keen in fact that on one occasion, when a wall was the obstacle, one member took it with him! The remainder of the Sunday morning was spent
dry-walling. I must mention that the culprit carried on the movement as though nothing unusual had happened. Bruised limbs perhaps, but spirit - no; nothing could have bruised that; he was one of the keenest.
Headquarters Section by CH Fildes, Second Lieutenant
As a result of the first meting at Alcombe Manor in May 1940, CH Fildes formed the records and laid the basis of Company Offices. In the early days, no special office accommodation was provided, records being kept at Alcombe Manor and by CH Fildes at his home. For a time Mr AW Northey gave valuable assistance.
It was arranged that Battle Headquarters should be the Platoon HQ at Kingsmoor. This arrangement functioned until early in 1942 when premises were obtained at the Clock House, Box. Up to this time, Captain Skrine had been in command of Box Platoon and also 2nd in command of the Company. When he left the district in February 1943, Box was formed into three Platoons and Lieutenant GRC Souter was appointed Captain and 2nd in command of Company.
An Intelligence Section had been gradually built up under Sergeant Hogbin and, later, when an Intelligence Officer was appointed, he being unable to take on the responsibility owing to pressure of business, Corporal Lambert was appointed 2nd Lieutenant. The Company Office functioned throughout in complete harmony, and the whole staff worked unselfishly.
The Box Home Guard stood down in December 1944 after five years of continuous service, following the example of Trowbridge the previous month.
Please click on the link below if you wish to read the full narrative of the diary, especially if you are tracing your ancestors who served in the Box and Colerne Home Guard.
Please click on the link below if you wish to read the full narrative of the diary, especially if you are tracing your ancestors who served in the Box and Colerne Home Guard.
| box_home_guard.pdf |
For the names of individuals seen on the photos, please see the details recorded by Graham Eyles and kindly supplied by
Stephen Eyles please click the appropriate link below.
Stephen Eyles please click the appropriate link below.
References
[1] Bath Weekly Chronicle and Herald, 30 August 1941
[2] EA Mackay, The History of the Wiltshire Home Guard 1940-44, 1946, Lockbridge, p.32
[3] EA Mackay, The History of the Wiltshire Home Guard 1940-44, p.41
[1] Bath Weekly Chronicle and Herald, 30 August 1941
[2] EA Mackay, The History of the Wiltshire Home Guard 1940-44, 1946, Lockbridge, p.32
[3] EA Mackay, The History of the Wiltshire Home Guard 1940-44, p.41