All images: Gareth Clark
On the evening of 14th May, the Redline Home Guard gathered to mark a truly momentous occasion in Britain’s wartime history – the 85th anniversary of the formation of the Local Defence Volunteers (LDV), the forerunners of what would soon become the Home Guard.
It was on this day in 1940, as Britain stood on the brink of invasion, that Secretary of State for War Anthony Eden, broadcast a radio appeal to the nation. He called for volunteers aged 17 to 65 to enrol in a new force to defend the home front. Within 24 hours, 250,000 men had stepped forward. Within weeks, that number swelled to nearly 1.5 million – ordinary men, ready to do extraordinary things.
To honour their spirit, we celebrated the moment by recreating it as authentically as possible.
We began, as they did, huddled around a radio to listen to Eden’s historic broadcast. With the dusk falling and the air heavy with anticipation, our group of volunteers stepped forward to do their duty.
Under the stern but fair eye of PC Withering – played marvellously by the ever-reliable Tony Morgan –we queued to register our names with the local police, signing on to defend hearth and home. There was no hesitation; only pride.
From there, we were put through our paces with a spot of drill and discipline, just as the earliest LDV recruits would have been – broom-handles and old rifles at the ready, spirits high and shoulders back. We received our LDV armbands and rifles, simple symbols of a great national effort.
As the drills concluded and dusk turned to darkness, we gathered for a modest but thoroughly enjoyable wartime supper. Plates were piled with spam, corned beef, and jam sandwiches, all staple fare from the era. A spot of pudding came courtesy of Pte Martin’s good lady wife, who provided a superb rhubarb cake, as good as any you’d find in a WI cookbook.
A few well-earned drinks followed, and we raised our glasses – filled with a generous glug of port – to those brave men who, 85 years ago, stepped forward when Britain needed them most. We were proud to walk a few steps in their boots.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Chairman’s Awards for 2025, honouring exceptional service and dedication within the Redline Home Guard. Presented by Chairman Mike Quigley, the awards recognised those who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to the group over the past year.
This year’s well-deserved recipients were Steve Winney, Paul Chambers, Ant Tierney, and Matt Gleave – each of whom has contributed enormously through their hard work, enthusiasm, and unwavering support.
Congratulations, chaps – well earned and thoroughly appreciated.
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