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of detail, and
an amusing correspondent. Some of his contributions to B.H.Q.
were certainly not in the orthodox style, but they were journalistically
bright and often, when they were critical, dangerously near
the truth. I liked his telegram to the A.A. on the occasion
of the latter's birthday: "Wishing you very many and
moderately accurate returns."
Then Wheatley, the genial pipe expert, who was with the
company until lately, when he was appointed Liaison Officer
between H.G. and H.G.H.A.A. Bty. And Miller, a born leader
and a winner of competitions. Chaplin, who delighted in
all the horrible equipment of the commando, and, incidentally,
with his platoon represented Garrison in the District Finals
Platoon Competition in 1943. Sadler, who served the company
so faithfully in a variety of ways, Tyrrell, Kendall, Murray,
Fletcher, and not forgetting C.S.M. Sedgwick, and names
such as Heath and Bradley and many others come to mind.
I always feel that "D" Company was probably one
of the best examples one could find of a real village Home
Guard.
Davies, the youngest of our company commanders, had the
job from the start, and his only previous military training
was the O.T.C., but his company always enjoyed a reputation
for efficiency. Unfortunately it was a small company, but
the job for which it was
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was well done without show or fuss. It was
a friendly company to visit,
and I have vivid memories of the old kitchen
in the doctor's house, warmed by the fire of an open fireplace
and regaled by a cup of miner's sweet tea. Before I leave
this company, let me pay tribute to such men as Cresswell,
that competent and self-effacing Second in Command, Norris,
and that fine young team of Woodhouse, Perry, Gill and Massey,
all of them 100 per cent. Pelsall.
I always feel very near to "E" Company, not only
geographically, but because I was its O.C. for the first
three months of its existence.
Stephens, who took over from me, has done a great deal
that will be remembered by me, but none more than his work
as "Adjutant" at its formation. Aldridge born
and bred, he knows everyone who lives in it and whoever
has lived in it. His encyclopaedic mind was a tremendous
asset, and by his help three platoons were formed which,
although given battalion numbers later on, will always be
remembered as North, Central, and South. No company commander
could have done more for the social life of its members,
and many of them will regret the end of the dances which
Stephens ran so successfully throughout the winter months,
and which gave so much pleasure to H.G. wives and sweethearts.
Associated with "E" will always be such names
as Howarth, perhaps the best exponent of drill I have ever
watched, Holland, who worked so devotedly at the cost of
his health for the South
(......continues.....)
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