大象传媒

Home guard

During the war there were men who because of their trade were classed as reserved occupation, like myself, a scientific instrument maker.

First we were fire wardens at our place of work. Also in our residential areas, i.e. our street. The powers that be then decided to extend the home guard to be more useful and man anti-aircraft batteries.

I and others were to serve on Z battery on Hampstead Heath.

Our captain was not quite Captain Mannering of Dad鈥檚 army although he wore First World War ribbons. He was Captain Wicks also know as J. Wicks of Kensitas cigarettes.

He was advanced in years but he was still a good relief battery captain.

Thus the home guard had a crack at the evil Hun in the shape of firing R8 rockets into the sky knowing that the Huns didn鈥檛 like it.

The real dad鈥檚 army have something to be proud of. We did least have a shot at the Hun in times of danger.

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