Introduction

I am the author of the original document - a transcription of the memoirs of Major J.H. Bromhead, M.B.E., D.C.M - on which this online version is based. I was able to view and study the JHB collection of documents at the Bristol Archives after the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020/21 and the resulting archive closures ended. I wanted to bring his memoirs to life so that others may read and learn about this time in Bristol’s history. I have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible to the original text to maintain Major Bromhead’s voice, whilst also making it easier to read.

Major Bromhead's History of “R” Company

Major Bromhead's history of “R” Company provides a fascinating insight into the formation of a Bristol Home Guard unit. It is just one example of many similar stories that happened in towns and villages across the UK during the early part of World War II. JHB's story demonstrates the commitment of these volunteers to protecting their country. They approached the training and discipline required with the same attitude as regular troops, determined to become competent fighting units if needed. They had to learn quickly, and the experience of World War I veterans must have been an asset in their training. They made themselves ready for invading troops, and I am sure they would have put up a strong resistance to the enemy if they had reached our shores.

The history is also a reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary people during wartime. It is a story of courage, determination, and selflessness. It is a story that should be remembered and celebrated.

I have certainly learned a great deal from the project and the related research, which I must admit began due to my interest in discovering more about my grandfather, John Francis Smith, and his time serving with the 11th Gloster Battalion (City of Bristol) Home Guard. John Francis enrolled in the Local Defence Volunteers in Bristol on 2nd August 1940.

Further Comment

The J.H. Bromhead memoirs, along with his 1941 diary, helped identify a hitherto unknown location where a photograph was taken of my grandfather and other Home Guard volunteers on parade; the location I now know to be outside the then St. Alban’s Club, Cossins Rd, Bristol, which became “R” Company Headquarters in 1941, thereby confirming his attachment to “R” Company. There are several references to Sergeant Smith within the history, these could possibly refer to my grandfather, though I am currently unable to verify this fully as no initials or first names were used when Sgt. Smith is referenced.

The additional information about Major Bromhead; about my own grandfather, John Francis (Jack) Smith (including his enrolment form for the Bristol L.D.V. and my interpretation of the information it contains), about the Bristol Home Guard in general, and the Glossary and References are from my own research and are included to complement Major Bromhead's memoirs.  

I do hope you will enjoy reading it all as much as I enjoyed transcribing the text.