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Roy lived in London working in a factory making parts for tanks. However during the Blitz the factory was relocated to Buckingham. This was back in 1940. Roy recalls, "London and the Blitz was an exciting time for a 20 year old man. No sleep just surviving.
Arriving in Buckingham was like arriving in fairyland. Full of lovely friendly people and it was so peaceful". Roy became an Ambulance driver of a mobile operating theatre but soon became fed up and joined the Buckingham Home Guard.
The Home Guard were based in the old Post Office in West Street behind which was the parade ground. The Buckingham Home Guard had 100 members divided into 2 sections. A rifle section and a mobile (Commando) section armed with sten guns.
The armoury could also boast a heavy machine gun and WW1 anti tank gun. They would man key strategic points around Buckingham & meet every Saturday morning for training. The training was a serious affair, & covered almost every aspect of warfare.
Target shooting occurred in the town's clay pits, along with grenade, rifle & bayonet practise. Other topics included battle manoeuvres, field craft as well as silent killing. "We also went on exercises with the regular army", Roy recalls, "Using proper guns & training with explosives. I learnt demolition, blowing holes in the ground, even how to put explosives on doors. I remember if you put charge in the ground, blowing it up to make a cavity, place explosives in the cavity then discharge, will make a huge hole".
"Major Hocking was in charge, he lived at the White Horse. He was also an adjutant with the regular army. The Regimental Sergeant Major also became the drill instructor. He was an awful, typical Sergeant. He used to pinch everyone's girlfriends, including mine.
If you are interested in the Home Guard visit Harry's webpage featuring his Home Guard Impression.
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