In 1944 (and almost certainly earlier) George Chidler was in the 29th Warwickshire (Birmingham) Battalion Home Guard. We have very little knowledge of George's WW2 Home Guard Service but evidence of it survives in images of him in his Home Guard uniform at various stages during the war, summer and winter.

In 1944 (and, again, earlier) he was a Sergeant in the Home Guard 29th Warks. (Birmingham) Battalion, “B” Company (the Gasworks Company), together with his brother.  As he was in the Home Guard he later received the WW2 Defence Medal. 

In WW1 he had joined up in 1915 (whilst under-aged, as was common). He served as a Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery - 3/1st Warwickshire Heavy Battery before being invalided out in 1917 and discharged in 1918 due to "physical fitness". His injuries meant he had difficulty finding/keeping employment, but it is known he worked for the railways at some stage and also for the Birmingham City Gas Dept. His last job before retirement was as a Plater’s Helper. 

 George was a regular member of the Erdington Branch of the British Legion and a very good shot, winning a cup for it in 1935 (left). He kept his rifle in a cupboard, and in the 1960s it was rediscovered and handed in to the police. Whilst in the Legion he was part of the Guard of Honour for a visit by HRH Prince of Wales to Birmingham and in June 1937 (Coronation year) George was involved in a gathering of old servicemen for the King and Queen.

George Chidler lived in north-east Birmingham all his life and died aged 91 - still with a full head of hair.