´óÏó´«Ã½

This story was submitted to the People’s War website by Kathy Tutt, a volunteer from ´óÏó´«Ã½ Kent, on behalf of George C. and has been added to the website with his permission and he fully understand the site’s terms and conditions.

George was 13 years old when war broke out and he lived in North East Scotland. They were not affected by the blitz but did suffer a lot of ‘hit and run’ bombing by the Germans coming over from Norway to bomb the shipyards in Aberdeen. At the age of 16 it was mandatory to join a youth organisation in order to help the war effort. He chose the Home Guard which took older men, those unfit for full service and youths between 16 and 18 years of age. Lack of even blank ammunition resulted in their exercising and training with rifles which were only deadly if the bayonet was fixed! The training was strenuous but very beneficial for 16 year old guardsmen to be trained in all infantry weapons. It was exactly like the ´óÏó´«Ã½ comedy programme ‘Dad’s Army’ and George was rather like Private Pike without the scarf! When the Home Guard was disbanded in 1944 each Home Guardsman received an illustrated certificate stating ‘ in the years when our country was in mortal danger, XXXX gave of his time and effort to defend this land and was prepared to give his life if need be’ . George was very proud of his certificate but donated it to Tunbridge Wells library for the 50th anniversary of VE Day.

This story was told during story gathering at Tonbridge Library 7th July 2005

© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.