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We fill many sandbags and construct defence posts. One of our members, an architect, draws an excellent map of our territory, 6in. to 1 mile, and another member in the trade prints copies. We learn military map-reading. We select additional observation posts in view of one of the principal jobs of the H.G. at that time of observation and report, but always with the primary training devoted to the rifle. We fire on the 200 yards range using .303 Ross rifles and the limited supply of training ammunition available, and are very disappointed at the result.

We draw up a "tree" call-up system and emergency mobilisation orders and try them out, with satisfying results. We parade at the Church for each man to see the position of the rope for the bell - the local warning system for airborne invasion.

By the close of the year serge battledress and greatcoats make a welcome appearance.

We hold N.C.Os. meetings weekly to put everyone "in the picture" about past and future training and happenings, and some lively discussions ensue. We form a platoon fund with subscriptions from its members and elect a Committee of N.C.Os. to administer the fund. We scrutinise carefully the trickle of "paper" which has now become a flood, despite the efforts of our Company Commander to restrict "paper" to the platoons to absolute essentials. We hold N.C.Os. "shouting" parades prior to the general Sunday parade to promote confidence in giving orders.

The Company Commander and 2 i/c call regular meetings of Company officers, and we discuss our difficulties and those of our neighbouring platoons. We receive our orders and advice and help on our problems. Company H.Q. is established under very comfortable conditions at a requisitioned house, "The Greylands", and every consideration and assistance is given to us by Company. We attend Company parades with regular N.C.Os. instructing, and Church parades and route marches always followed with the welcome pot of beer which seems to characterise all Home Guard activity.

Nineteen-forty-one comes in with deep snow, which interferes with training; but the night guards are still mounted despite the appalling travel conditions. Men walk three miles through deep snow to do their turn of duty.

We have a new defence scheme with new tasks, one of which is to cover an important road fork. A section trench is sited on high ground with an excellent covered approach through the Church Wood, and digging is started. Six parades are spent in this way and we make a good job of it with revetting, duck-boards, and camouflage both from the ground and air, provided from natural materials readily to hand. One of our members, a builder, undertakes drainage and weather-proofing of sandbags. Some of the yew used for revetment is left lying about, bringing strong

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