Ironsides " and L.D.V.
It would be extreme folly to belittle the part that may be taken by Local Defence Volunteers, of whom 400,000 have now been enrolled, in helping to ensure the safety of the country. Amongst these men are many fit veterans who have been through the last war, have skill in the handling of a rifle, and know the country in which they are operating. It has been pointed out in The Spectator that this valuable force must not be regarded as the main defence against parachutists or raiders landed from aeroplanes, and that behind them and within call there must be highly mobile and strongly armed units of the Regular Army. Such units, it is gratifying to know, are now being organised for home defence by General Sir Edmund Ironside, and many hundreds of small bodies of troops such as had been envisaged in this journal are now being formed, and will be known as " Ironsides." We also learn that plans have been made to ensure the greatest co-operation between the Local Defence Volunteers, who are under the orders of Military Area Commanders with Regular military units, more especially the " Ironsides." This is undoubtedly the right way to make the best use of the L.D.V. Parachutists are likely to get a warm reception.
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