Cheshire Home Guard 17th Batt are proud to announce that the author Julie Summers has kindly agreed to be our patron. Please take some time to visit her web site - http://www.juliesummers.co.uk/ We are a Chester based unit, formed as a tribute to the brave men and women who “kept calm and carried on” through the dark and dangerous days of WW2. Despite only having an initial meeting in February 2013 we had a successful year, and were invited to, and organised several events. Our group represents both military, and of course civilian, because after all, that’s what the Home Guard was all about! After a meeting the group decided that 2014 would be an appropriate time to form a small WW1 group to honour the memories of those who served, and to carry their stories to a wider audience. These were the men who went on to serve in the Home Guard, a concept those of you who watch “Dads Army” will be familiar with. “Dad’s Army” has really done a disservice to the men (and women!) of the Home Guard. Although an amusing programme the reality was far removed. Should Hitler have invaded he said that he would have the members of this group shot as “citizens in revolt” – and invasion was a very real possibility at one stage. These old soldiers lived through the hell of the trenches, machine guns, tanks, gas, and yet were once again ready to lay down their lives in service of King and Country. We must never forget them. |