HOME GUARD AND A.R.P.
Sts,—As a Home Guard volunteer I think I can give the real answer to Lady Violet Bonham Carter's suggestion that the London Home
Guard co-operate with the A.R.P. services. It is that the Home Guard has all its work cut out to organise, train and develop itself to fulfil its special function in the defence of the country, and it would be a grave error to let its attention be diverted from this task, as the adoption of Lady Violet Bonham Carter's suggestion would entail. It is a task which will demand special qualities from Home Guard members. (As they told me at Osterley Park, "Some of the things we think you will have to do may sound terrifying, but remember we are up against the dirtiest dog who ever went to war! ") It also
involves duties of a very varied nature. At its inception the Home Guard was intended to be a force to deal with enemy parachute landings, but it has, in spite of itself, become the tactical reply to the German army's method of attack in depth. It will afford defence in depth.
In practice, this means that the Home Guard will work in small bodles in every locality attacked, adopting whatever guerilla tactics the occasion may demand. In addition to having initiative, its members must be familiar with the country in which they are Operating; they must know how to conceal themselves there ; and in Particular they must be proficient in the use of quite a variety of weapons. In a city like London they might—although I hope and believe not—be called on to take part in street fighting, a difficult art The creation of a force efficient for such a purpose is raising Problems of organisation, equipment and training which leaves the officers, N.C.O.s and volunteers little time for other things.
Also, to satisfy yolir contributor's legitimate curiosity as to the extra allowance of rationed foods to Home Guards for refreshments while on duty, these consist of two ounces of tea and four ounces of sugar for ten men, just enough to provide the average guard with one, or Perhaps two, cups of tea before going on at night, and again when it stands to at dawn.—I am, Sir, your obedient servant, 15 Chinbrook Crescent, Grove Park, S.E. 12. REGINALD HALL.
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