THE HOME GUARD

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 105, 30 October 1941, Page 11

THE HOME GUARD

ARMY ORDER ISSUED

FUNCTIONS OUTLINED

INVASION THREAT

A special Army Order relating to the formation and functions of the Home Guard has been issued

by the Army Department,

In defining the object of the Home Guard the Order states that its duty Wjill' be to augment the defences of the Dominion by providing static defence of localities, protection of' vulnerable and key points, and by giving timely notice of enemy movements to superior military organisations. It is emphasised that the Home Guard is assigned a definite role in the defence plans of the country. Its value lies not in individual action by its members, but in : the proper co-ordination with the other parts of the Defence forces. "The Home Guard is a voluntary, .unpaid, part-time force, having' its origin in the desire of patriotic citizens engaged in ordinary civil occupations to make some active and voluntary contribution to defence, especially to the defence of their own localities" states the Order. "Until invasion appears imminent, or has actually occurred, full-time service •is not required, as such service will deprive many who are anxious to serve from doing so, and would take away others from work of national importance. Where, prior to invasion or the imminent threat of invasion, defence precautions demand continuous duty which it is appropriate for the Home Guard to perform, it shall'be met by recourse to a shift system. . In the event of ai^ imminent threat of invasion, or actual invasion, the Home Guard is liable to .be called out for full-time duty." NO FIXED ESTABLISHMENT. There is no fixed establishment for the force. As announced previously, the Home Guard will be divided into two divisions. Division I will consist of approximately 50,000. of all ranks fit for combatant duties, who will be trained and equipped as quickly as possible. Division II will consist of those remaining members who have a reasonable standard of physical fitness for the role which they may be called upon to perform. This division will act as a reserve for Division I, and will be given such training as may be possible with the equipment available. Those remaining members who have [not the degree of- physical fitness necessary for the duties of the Home Guard will be given a certificate acknowledging their offer of services, and will be invited to join the E.P.S. or other civil organisation. The following scale of uniform and : personal equipment will be provided as soon as possible for all members of Division I:'—Battledress, cap, steel helmet, great coat, boots, and web equipment. Two armbands will be provided for members of Division 11. All officers and other ranks of the Home Guard who attend special courses of instruction will receive Territorial rates of pay and allowances in accordance with the regulations. In addition they will be provided, when necessary, with free transport, quarters, and rations.