This is a page within the Staffordshire Home Guard website. To see the entire site contents, please go to SITE MAP.

We helped with the refreshments and some of us had side shows. We were told that the proceeds of these were much higher than in the previous year. They would have been yet higher but for an unfortunate deluge of rain.

One very special highlight was the day when we were told that, at last, we were to be provided with uniforms. It was a much-delayed provision, but none the less welcome. What a kick we got out of selecting the tunic that looked most like "us" and matching the colour of a skirt as nearly as possible with that of the chosen tunic. We were all true women that evening, as the men walking to and fro' the Armoury must have thought. I really believe that the uniform enhanced our value in the eyes of the men, for we were congratulated on our appearance when we turned out in them. These little things mean a lot when you feel a bit of a "Cinderella", as we sometimes felt.

Recently we have been drilled by Sergt.-Major McElhone. No quarter was given and none required. We lapped up the shouted directions. Dare I tell this? I think so, as none laughed more heartily than the Sergt.-Major himself. We were so anxious to do the salute as it should be done that the hands touching the skirts on the downward journey made a little "pat". "This movement must be silent," thundered the Sergt.-Major, "like this." He forthwith proceeded to show us how. Bringing his arm very smartly up, he brought it as smartly down, only to rattle against keys and coppers in his right-hand pocket. Such a merry jingle - but not so silent. This drill was really to prepare us for the stand-down parade in which we were invited to join the men of the Home Guard, a gesture which was much appreciated by us. We were alive to the fact that we were in this parade by privilege and not by right. We endeavoured, despite the unkind weather, to do our bit to the last, and we hope we added a little lustre to the proceedings.

Our own little stand-down occasion was much enjoyed by all of us who were there, and we think our guests liked being with us. It was a happy little dance in the Institute on Friday, December 1st. We are indebted to many who made it possible and helped us in many ways. Without naming these people, they will know and accept our thanks. Mrs. Avery, our oldest member, presented a bouquet to Miss Morris, a slight token of our affection and good wishes for her, and she made a little speech in reply. It was Col. Cartwright's speech which was the high-spot of this evening, for in paying tribute to Miss Morris, he appeared to scatter a little on us, too.

SPOTLIGHTS

Let me introduce you to one or two of those individuals who made the 32nd Battalion's Women Home Guard.

Dorothy Cope, driver - slim, dainty and essentially feminine who confesses that it was a "bloodthirsty nature" that caused her to join up. Seems hard to believe, but they are her words. She says that the War Office dispelled any idea she had of "crawling        (......continues.....)

66