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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 formed

 

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

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