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Proceeding into the Park again as far as the Serpentine, we then broke up, having marched at least seven miles in all, the lucky ones going to Knightsbridge Barracks for tea, served by Coldstreamers in a huge building which is normally a covered riding school. We were then directed to the Royal Albert Hall.

On nearly reaching the Hall, in London's black-out we met several sellers of programmes. "Great 'Ome Guard Stand-down Party - Getcher programmes - sixpence each." (2.5p). Having heard of London sharks before, I was immediately suspicious, though they were obviously doing a roaring trade. On entering and reaching our seats my suspicions were confirmed, for there on each seat was the official programme; all for nothing! And opening his 6d. programme in the brilliantly lighted Hall, my neighbour showed it to be a real "sell". There was practically nothing on it.

A regal entertainment then followed with such stars as Tommy Trinder, Vera Lynn, Cicely Courtnidge, George Robey, Elsie and Doris Waters, Robb Wilton, and many others, with Louis Levy and his orchestra taking the musical honours, and the whole show happily compered by Leslie Mitchell, who was in Home Guard uniform, as was Dr. Douglas Hopkins at the great organ and who played during the interval.

At 9 p.m. the King's broadcast was relayed from the B.B.C. programme to a silent and loyal audience, who rose and sang with great fervour "The King" at the end of His Majesty's message.

All good things must come to an end, and after a poignant Auld Lang Syne we returned to Kneller Hall, where cocoa and sandwiches awaited us.

Next morning we made an early start and left Paddington at 9.30, so promptly that about twenty of the party, who had gone in search of newspapers and cigarettes, were left behind, leaving their heavy equipment in the train. I wondered whether this was not more by design than accident, as, while very few of my friends had ever been to London before, there had been no opportunity of seeing anything of this great city. So perhaps these adventurers were determined not to be done out of this opportunity.

Arriving once again at Snow Hill, our C.O., Major H. R. Cullwick, thanked us for our good behaviour and general smartness to which we responded with three rousing cheers. We were then dismissed. Was this for the last time, one wondered, with somewhat mixed feelings. After taking farewell of our many newly found friends of a grand week-end, we parted and went our several ways.

Here, then, is a brief outline of the Stand-down. So much more could be told, but all will be remembered for ever and for aye.

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