At this week’s parade night at Wallingford Station, a small group of Redline continued drill practice and changing sentry posts, as well as carried out a night patrol along the railway line putting into practice the techniques learned over the last few weeks.
After the traditional evening starter of a cuppa, and before the light was lost, the platform provided a nice long area to practice marching and drill. Sentries were posted outside the Waiting Room and the correct procedure for changing guards was taught and practiced.
After a further refreshment break and the sun had set, a night patrol was carried out along a small section of the track*. Teamwork and acting as a scout were practised, the track ballast making moving silently tricky. Happy to report no suspicious activity was observed, although what sounded like gunfire in the distance was heard which did get everyone’s attention!
At Redline, we learn through doing and are carrying out the same training that the Home Guard units would have done in the 1940s.
Join your local Home Guard unit, new recruits are always welcome. Contact us for details.
* NOTE: the heritage railway was not operating and several members of the Platoon are volunteers with the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway with full track safety training. Please do not go on railway lines, even heritage ones, without permission – it’s not only dangerous, it’s against the law.
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