This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Home Guard.
The organisation was formed during a time of heightened fears of a German invasion, but with many men already serving in the Forces and others who were too old, too young, or already doing work vital to the war effort, there was concern there may be a lack of volunteers.
By the time the organisation disbanded in December 1945, there were more than one million volunteers. Fittingly, in light of the organisation’s anniversary, Stuart Carlton brought in this copy of a postcard (right) believed to show the Bradford & District Home Guard.
Ironically, Stuart, from Haworth, has some interest in the subject as he is part of the Home Guard re-enactment which takes place during Haworth’s 1940s weekend.
Stuart discovered the postcard among his late aunt, Gladys Berry’s, collection. Gladys, of Bradford Moor, was 85 when she died, and Stuart believes she may have kept the photograph as he thinkts one of her relations could be on it.
“I suspect there may well be a family member by marriage, which is why she kept it in the first place,” says Stuart.
Interestingly, there are two women on the front row of the image, which Stuart believes was taken against the backdrop of the retaining wall of a reservoir and the Pennine hills.
“The Bradford & District Home Guard had responsibility for about seven reservoirs,” says Stuart.
He says there is nothing on the postcard dating when the photograph was taken, but he says he believes the uniforms date from around 1937.
- If you can help, contact David Barnett at the Telegraph & Argus, Hall Ings, Bradford, BD1 1JR or e-mail david.barnett@telegraphandargus.co.uk.
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