HOME GUARD PRAISED

Southland Times, Issue 25538, 5 December 1944, Page 5

HOME GUARD PRAISED

STRONG CITIZEN ARMY FREEDOM DEFENDED IN BRITAIN (Rec. 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, December 4. The King in a broadcast message to the Home Guard on the occasion of its standing down, said: “Our country in May 1940 was in mortal danger. The most powerful army the world had ever seen forced its way to within a few miles of our coast. We were threatened from day to day with invasion. Our army in those days had been greatly weakened and the call went out for men to enrol themselves in a new citizen army called local defence volunteers, who would be required to use whatever weapons could be found to stand against the invader in every town and village. “Throughout Britain and northern Ireland the nation answered that summons as it will always answer when freedom is in danger,” said the King. “From the hills, from the factories, the shops and offices, from the mills and the quarries, men of every age, being called, came forward to train themselves for battle. The new force almost overnight came into being. It had little equipment but it was mighty in courage and determination. SPLENDID SPIRIT “In July, 1940, it became the Home Guard and during four years of continuing anxiety the civilian army grew in strength and soon became a wellequipped force, able to take over many duties from the regular troops preparing to go overseas. I believe it. was the voluntary spirit which made the Home Guard so splendid and so powerful a comradeship of arms. Service in the Home Guard has not been easy for most of you and has been an added hardship for your wives. “I know what Home Guard service has meant, especially for older men,” continued the King. “Some of you, after a hard day’s work, were for hours on gun sites, in desolate fields or on windswept beaches. The enemy well knew that if he came to any part of our land he would meet determined opposition. The Home Guard in that way helped much towards staving off invasion. “I am proud of what the Home Guard has done and give my heartfelt thanks to you. Officers, N.C.O.’s and men, you served your country . in steadfast devotion; your country will not forget that service.”