Re: World War II
 

In Burnley -- in 1939 when the war broke out -- there were not enough truncheons to equip the Special Police and Air Raid Wardens. Local Billiard Halls (Mechanics Institute, Weavers Institute, Burtons, et al.) contributed billiard cues which were cut down so that they were about two feet long (butt) and a leather wrist strap was attached via a hole drilled through the small end.

Re: World War II
 

Woops in 1982 i defected over here and believe me the Germans mostly believe in the 3rd Reich.Saw the pilot on the tele that stopped the Queen being bombed by flying at the German plane and cutting the tail off.Courage or what???

Re: World War II
 

When the Home Guard (originally, but only for a short time, called the LDV - Land Defense Volunteers) was first formed in 1940 weapons were in very short supply. In Burnley -- and I am sure throughout Lancashire -- some were drilling with broomsticks and garden hoes.

My father's (#1 Burnley) Company was eventually issued US lend-lease. I went with my father to the Hambledon Hill rifle range (just outside Burnley near Hapton) a few times when they did familiarization/qualification shooting in 1940/1941. My cousin, Alan Parkinson, and I used to dig bullets out of the back stop when they were through shooting and collect spent cartridge cases that had been overlooked.

Some NCO's were issued either US lend-lease Thompson sub machine guns (Tommy guns) or British Sten sub machine guns. My father was a Corporal and was issued a Sten gun which he kept at our house (no ammunition) -- I used to play soldiers with it.

Re: World War II
 

only just discovered this thread jamesicus,its absolutely spellbinding,hope you keep batting for many years to come.

Re: World War II
 

Jamesicus found this site it may help with your reseach. http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ww2/

Re: World War II
 

Thank you for those kind words, cashman -- they are much appreciated.

James

Re: World War II
 

Thank you, Bazf -- I have visited there several times and have found it to be an excellent resource.

James

Re: World War II
 

Here is a stalwart Home Guard unit after field training maneuvers in 1940 -- note the Thompson sub machine guns (Tommy guns) -- I think the rifles are pattern 1914 Enfields.

http://www.jp29.org/homeguard.jpg

Re: World War II
 

The following photograph of is of a reunion of my father's (directly under the arrow) WW2 Home Guard unit taken shortly after the war. Most of these men are in their 50s and 60s and are veterans of WW1 (my father did not serve in that war). There are also two of my uncles (one standing to my father's left, the other the only one with folded arms (WW1 East Lancashire Regiment Veterans).

The photo was taken in front of the Rose & Crown , Manchester Rd in Burnley, (the unit's "unofficial" wartime HQ :) ) as they were preparing to depart on a bus trip to the Lake District.

There aren't any "pot bellies" that I can see!

http://www.jp29.org/hf184.jpg

Re: World War II
 

German Officer: Vhat is your name?
Capt Mainwaring: Don't tell him Pike!

Priceless.

Re: World War II
 

remember that quote like it was yesterday lol

Re: World War II
 

During the Battle of Britain -- and throughout WW2 -- many badly damaged Spitfires and Hurricanes (and major components) were expeditiously shipped to the London, Midland & Scotland (LMS) Railway Wolverton and Barassie carriage workshops for repair and return to service. The British Railways Press Office pamphlet "It Can Now Be Revealed" (about the role of British Railways in WW2, published in 1945) offers the following interesting information:

"At Barassie Works, where the Spitfires were repaired, a runway was laid down alongside the shops and the machines were flown away from this on completion"

Note: Barassie is located on the west coast of Scotland near Prestwick. Wolverton is located in Buckinghamshire in south east England. Both are relatively small rural villages.

Click on the following link for more information relating to this subject:

http://www.livingarchive.org.uk/nvq03/phil/wolverton%20works%201936%20-%201945.htm

Re: World War II
 

A noteworthy tragic event occurred in the Burnley/Accrington area toward the end of the war. In the late afternoon of Monday, 19 February, 1945 an American B24 Liberator (#42-50668) crashed on the moors just outside Burnley (Black Hameldon). I went to the scene not long after the crash when the wreckage was still smoldering. The entire event is well chronicled at:

http://web.ukonline.co.uk/lait/site/B-24%2042-50668.htm

Re: World War II
 

fascinating stuff jamesicus,wasn't aware of the incident at all.

Re: World War II
 

what them people must have gone through , it is beyound beliefe.