大象传媒

Hello
At the age of 6 years or so I remember accompaning my Dad on week end manoeuvares with the Home Guard (a real Dad's Army) in his black Austin 8, Reg No. CTH 398. In the glove box he carried an 'unloaded' Webley .45.
We joined with other local Home Guard personel at a camp in the sea side village of Llangranog, where we/they excercised in using military equipment which failed to be adopted by the regular army. eg the blacka bomber, a very large mortar. This fired at a target out at sea and I remember seeing the shell on its trajectory after firing. Also 'cheese wires' fired by rockets. A method of decapitating attacking enemy infantry on level ground.
I had to be forcibly pulled int a trench by an officer since as, a short trousered 6 year old I felt I was too young and not expected to duck! when the rockets were fired in our direction.
I distinctly remember the tin mugs filled with tea sweetened with condensed milk. This was only available to the home guard and not to the general public. Sugar was strictly rationed using ration books. Bee Keepers were given a sugar allowance but we got most of the sugar!
I remember playing with Dad's Webley .45 and I pulling pulled the trigger so many times that it broke! Very sad. The local policeman who lived next door keapt the bullets in a safe place.
The Yanks were billeted locally but there were often street fights between their white soldiers and their black comrades.
All for now..........Eddie 67 years of age.

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