The German invasion of Holland and Belgium focused attention upon the use ofparatroops, to occupy areas behind the enemy’s main defence lines, and it seemed highly probable that this form of attack would be employed against Britain.
As a precautionAnthony Eden, the Secretary of State for War, broadcast an appeal on the 14th May 1940, for fit men betweenthe age of 16 and 65 to enrol in a military organisation which would be known as the Local Defence Volunteers ( LDV ). By May nearly 250,000 had come forward and by the end of the month the figure had reached 300,000, the force was to be organised in conjunction with the Territorial County Association and came under the operational Command of the C in C Home Forces. On the 31st July 1940 the title of the force was changed to the Home Guard.
The immediate problem faced by the Home Guard was an acute shortage of Arms,uniforms and equipment. There was enough rifles for only one third of the guard. The remainder had to make do for many months with shotguns, sporting rifles, even golf clubs and home made pikes. The Home Guard was unpaid and was required for duty and training only after working hours. They were organised as battalions, companies and platoons, but there was no fixed size of these units and a company could be 300 or 400 men strong.
Commanders of units were not commissioned officers but holders of appointments ,and every man whatever his rack was subject to military law as a private soldier.
The Home Guard was dispersed through the country and each city, town and village had its contingent, there duties consisted of guarding important buildings, road junctions, railways, factories, and patrolling coastal areas where enemy landings might be made.
By the end of July 1940 the Home Guard numbered 500,000 all ranks and during the invasion months of that year ,its presence and enthusiasm not only helped to inspire the population of Britain. But also relieved large numbers of regular troops from the distraction of guard and garrison duties.
Some American residents of London volunteered for service in the Local Defence Volunteers, they then formed themselves into the 1st American squadron of the Home Guard , which became known as the “Red Eagles” some 128 Americans served in this ,not only provided their own motor vehicles ,but purchased their own “Tommy Guns”.
