Local Home Guard - Revision history

Bev at 10:31, 24 March 2017

2017-03-24T10:31:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:31, 24 March 2017
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	The Sprowston Platoon Completed their part in the War with no casualties. But some within the 10th Battalion. National figures reported just over 500 killed, and 5000 casualties on active service, by enemy bombing and training accidents. Platoon Sergeant. Robert S. Bennett. B.E.M. 1943Private. Victor R. Bennett. 1943. (Author). Private. G. Pipe. 1950. 37 Private. Walter Shorten. Private. Russell Clarke. Private. John Shorten. 1938. Private. Ernest Littell. (Some photographs of later years).38 39 40 The Proficiency Certificate declares the amount of knowledge needed to gain a pass. In most cases the period the “Test” or “Exam” took was 12 to 18 months. Note part 3. of the Certificate “If the holder joins H.M. Forces.” 41 - 42 Author. Victor Bennett. Victor is a valued Committee member of Sprowston Heritage and this booklet is one of many that have been produced by our members. It gives the reader an insight of what life was like in Sprowston during this period. We are most grateful for this contribution to our Archive. Peter Sneddon, Chairman. Sprowston Heritage. 2007. Note. We apologise for the quality of some of the photographs, which have been made available to the author, other Photographs and plan drawings are from the Heritage Archive.		The Sprowston Platoon Completed their part in the War with no casualties. But some within the 10th Battalion. National figures reported just over 500 killed, and 5000 casualties on active service, by enemy bombing and training accidents. Platoon Sergeant. Robert S. Bennett. B.E.M. 1943Private. Victor R. Bennett. 1943. (Author). Private. G. Pipe. 1950. 37 Private. Walter Shorten. Private. Russell Clarke. Private. John Shorten. 1938. Private. Ernest Littell. (Some photographs of later years).38 39 40 The Proficiency Certificate declares the amount of knowledge needed to gain a pass. In most cases the period the “Test” or “Exam” took was 12 to 18 months. Note part 3. of the Certificate “If the holder joins H.M. Forces.” 41 - 42 Author. Victor Bennett. Victor is a valued Committee member of Sprowston Heritage and this booklet is one of many that have been produced by our members. It gives the reader an insight of what life was like in Sprowston during this period. We are most grateful for this contribution to our Archive. Peter Sneddon, Chairman. Sprowston Heritage. 2007. Note. We apologise for the quality of some of the photographs, which have been made available to the author, other Photographs and plan drawings are from the Heritage Archive.
	A SPROWSTON ~~HERITAGEPUBLICATION~~.		A SPROWSTON HERITAGE PUBLICATION.

	[[Category:Sprowston at War]]		[[Category:Sprowston at War]]

Bev: /* INVASION COMMITTEES */ Links

2016-06-10T11:51:52Z

INVASION COMMITTEES: Links

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:51, 10 June 2016
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	===INVASION COMMITTEES===		===INVASION COMMITTEES===
	Invasion committees were formed to make the best use of training, presentation and use of equipment, also a programme for large-scale manoeuvres. The committee had to interpret the Home Guard instruction manuals that appeared from time to time, passing it all down to the platoons. Lieut. Hewlett being our platoon commander was part of the top brass committee that had to solve these problems. Sprowston had been cut in half to create a defensive line to thwart any attack on the City of Norwich. The line commencing at Salhouse Road and to finish at [[North Walsham Road]]. Most of the route of Tank Traps, 300 Concrete Blocks, miles of Concertina Coiled Barbed Wire stacked in pyramid fashion, extended the length of [[Cannerby Lane]], across [[Wroxham Road]] into Dixons Dairy ([[Stonehouse Farm]]) and to Dixons Field that bordered Cozens Hardy Road. The old allotments along Edwards Road, the Recreation Ground Woods had a big mix of all the above items and carried on to North Walsham Road. The unit made good use of these facilities and also a check now and again to see if everything’s to order. During the invasion scares a roadblock would be set in place and an identity card check made, but usually for not more than 30 minutes. Not to upset the ~~nativesBy~~ now the platoon had forged a strong link with the Barnards Works on [[Salhouse Road]] and we would share night time guard duties. They had just completed a refurbished Gatekeepers Lodge, below was a spiral staircase that led to the basement, fitted out with bunks and a few chairs. It was a bit cramped with 12 other fellows, got smelly, smoke laden, difficult to sleep if a card school was operating. With all this going on it was a relief to go up top and do some guarding? A typical roster would be a two-hour stint spread over the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a. m, and possibly to be selected every tenth day. Considering all had a job to go to the next day I cannot remember any arguments or disquiet. The selected guards had to see out the whole shift- no doing your turn, then going home. Later the Battalion paid out a subsistence allowance for duty performed… one shilling. Barnards had been a favourite daytime target in the 1940`s but now the Luftwaffe were operating at night going for the Midlands instead. This meant a long guard night as the route taken, flying over the City that operated the siren alert, returning a hour later and dispatching any surplus bombs on the City or County. It was always difficult to patrol the factory, particularly on those very dark moonless nights, not a soul about, the odd crump (was that a bomb?). One did not stray too far from the railway line that encircled the factory. During one nights guard a badly shot-up Wellington Bomber crash-landed on Mousehold Airfield, nose in the ground, tail in the air, and 20 ft. from the factory gate entrance. None of our lot heard or saw it come down.		Invasion committees were formed to make the best use of training, presentation and use of equipment, also a programme for large-scale manoeuvres. The committee had to interpret the Home Guard instruction manuals that appeared from time to time, passing it all down to the platoons. Lieut. Hewlett being our platoon commander was part of the top brass committee that had to solve these problems. Sprowston had been cut in half to create a defensive line to thwart any attack on the City of Norwich. The line commencing at Salhouse Road and to finish at [[North Walsham Road]]. Most of the route of Tank Traps, 300 Concrete Blocks, miles of Concertina Coiled Barbed Wire stacked in pyramid fashion, extended the length of [[Cannerby Lane]], across [[Wroxham Road]] into Dixons Dairy ([[Stonehouse Farm]]) and to Dixons Field that bordered [[Cozens Hardy Road]]. The old allotments along [[Edwards Road]], the Recreation Ground Woods had a big mix of all the above items and carried on to [[North Walsham Road]]. The unit made good use of these facilities and also a check now and again to see if everything’s to order. During the invasion scares a roadblock would be set in place and an identity card check made, but usually for not more than 30 minutes. Not to upset the natives. By now the platoon had forged a strong link with the [[Barnards.]] Works on [[Salhouse Road]] and we would share night time guard duties. They had just completed a refurbished Gatekeepers Lodge, below was a spiral staircase that led to the basement, fitted out with bunks and a few chairs. It was a bit cramped with 12 other fellows, got smelly, smoke laden, difficult to sleep if a card school was operating. With all this going on it was a relief to go up top and do some guarding? A typical roster would be a two-hour stint spread over the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a. m, and possibly to be selected every tenth day. Considering all had a job to go to the next day I cannot remember any arguments or disquiet. The selected guards had to see out the whole shift- no doing your turn, then going home. Later the Battalion paid out a subsistence allowance for duty performed… one shilling. Barnards had been a favourite daytime target in the 1940`s but now the Luftwaffe were operating at night going for the Midlands instead. This meant a long guard night as the route taken, flying over the City that operated the siren alert, returning a hour later and dispatching any surplus bombs on the City or County. It was always difficult to patrol the factory, particularly on those very dark moonless nights, not a soul about, the odd crump (was that a bomb?). One did not stray too far from the railway line that encircled the factory. During one nights guard a badly shot-up Wellington Bomber crash-landed on Mousehold Airfield, nose in the ground, tail in the air, and 20 ft. from the factory gate entrance. None of our lot heard or saw it come down.

	<gallery widths=200px>		<gallery widths=200px>

Bev: /* INVASION COMMITTEES */ Add links

2016-06-10T11:38:23Z

INVASION COMMITTEES: Add links

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:38, 10 June 2016
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	===INVASION COMMITTEES===		===INVASION COMMITTEES===
	Invasion committees were formed to make the best use of training, presentation and use of equipment, also a programme for large-scale manoeuvres. The committee had to interpret the Home Guard instruction manuals that appeared from time to time, passing it all down to the platoons. Lieut. Hewlett being our platoon commander was part of the top brass committee that had to solve these problems. Sprowston had been cut in half to create a defensive line to thwart any attack on the City of Norwich. The line commencing at Salhouse Road and to finish at North Walsham Road. Most of the route of Tank Traps, 300 Concrete Blocks, miles of Concertina Coiled Barbed Wire stacked in pyramid fashion, extended the length of Cannerby Lane, across Wroxham Road into Dixons Dairy (Stonehouse Farm) and to Dixons Field that bordered Cozens Hardy Road. The old allotments along Edwards Road, the Recreation Ground Woods had a big mix of all the above items and carried on to North Walsham Road. The unit made good use of these facilities and also a check now and again to see if everything’s to order. During the invasion scares a roadblock would be set in place and an identity card check made, but usually for not more than 30 minutes. Not to upset the nativesBy now the platoon had forged a strong link with the Barnards Works on Salhouse Road and we would share night time guard duties. They had just completed a refurbished Gatekeepers Lodge, below was a spiral staircase that led to the basement, fitted out with bunks and a few chairs. It was a bit cramped with 12 other fellows, got smelly, smoke laden, difficult to sleep if a card school was operating. With all this going on it was a relief to go up top and do some guarding? A typical roster would be a two-hour stint spread over the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a. m, and possibly to be selected every tenth day. Considering all had a job to go to the next day I cannot remember any arguments or disquiet. The selected guards had to see out the whole shift- no doing your turn, then going home. Later the Battalion paid out a subsistence allowance for duty performed… one shilling. Barnards had been a favourite daytime target in the 1940`s but now the Luftwaffe were operating at night going for the Midlands instead. This meant a long guard night as the route taken, flying over the City that operated the siren alert, returning a hour later and dispatching any surplus bombs on the City or County. It was always difficult to patrol the factory, particularly on those very dark moonless nights, not a soul about, the odd crump (was that a bomb?). One did not stray too far from the railway line that encircled the factory. During one nights guard a badly shot-up Wellington Bomber crash-landed on Mousehold Airfield, nose in the ground, tail in the air, and 20 ft. from the factory gate entrance. None of our lot heard or saw it come down.		Invasion committees were formed to make the best use of training, presentation and use of equipment, also a programme for large-scale manoeuvres. The committee had to interpret the Home Guard instruction manuals that appeared from time to time, passing it all down to the platoons. Lieut. Hewlett being our platoon commander was part of the top brass committee that had to solve these problems. Sprowston had been cut in half to create a defensive line to thwart any attack on the City of Norwich. The line commencing at Salhouse Road and to finish at [[North Walsham Road]]. Most of the route of Tank Traps, 300 Concrete Blocks, miles of Concertina Coiled Barbed Wire stacked in pyramid fashion, extended the length of [[Cannerby Lane]], across [[Wroxham Road]] into Dixons Dairy ([[Stonehouse Farm]]) and to Dixons Field that bordered Cozens Hardy Road. The old allotments along Edwards Road, the Recreation Ground Woods had a big mix of all the above items and carried on to North Walsham Road. The unit made good use of these facilities and also a check now and again to see if everything’s to order. During the invasion scares a roadblock would be set in place and an identity card check made, but usually for not more than 30 minutes. Not to upset the nativesBy now the platoon had forged a strong link with the Barnards Works on [[Salhouse Road]] and we would share night time guard duties. They had just completed a refurbished Gatekeepers Lodge, below was a spiral staircase that led to the basement, fitted out with bunks and a few chairs. It was a bit cramped with 12 other fellows, got smelly, smoke laden, difficult to sleep if a card school was operating. With all this going on it was a relief to go up top and do some guarding? A typical roster would be a two-hour stint spread over the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a. m, and possibly to be selected every tenth day. Considering all had a job to go to the next day I cannot remember any arguments or disquiet. The selected guards had to see out the whole shift- no doing your turn, then going home. Later the Battalion paid out a subsistence allowance for duty performed… one shilling. Barnards had been a favourite daytime target in the 1940`s but now the Luftwaffe were operating at night going for the Midlands instead. This meant a long guard night as the route taken, flying over the City that operated the siren alert, returning a hour later and dispatching any surplus bombs on the City or County. It was always difficult to patrol the factory, particularly on those very dark moonless nights, not a soul about, the odd crump (was that a bomb?). One did not stray too far from the railway line that encircled the factory. During one nights guard a badly shot-up Wellington Bomber crash-landed on Mousehold Airfield, nose in the ground, tail in the air, and 20 ft. from the factory gate entrance. None of our lot heard or saw it come down.

	<gallery widths=200px>		<gallery widths=200px>
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	A planned weekend call out was organised by Eastern Command involving all the Regulars, Civil Defence, Ambulance Services and Home Guard. Most of the action appeared to be the coastal areas leaving the inland groups to make their own arrangements. Not a good start. Evening manoeuvres was another activity that the Platoon became involved in, and usually on the Saturday with a limited number of men. Our first “turn out” became a complete failure and a valuable lesson learned… Do not write on the Platoon Notice Board “Assemble in the ……… Public House.” Strange that word “at” read as “in”. The landlord must have been very pleased to see thirty or more Home Guards invading his premises on this Saturday evening, here was an excellent chance to drain his barrels, thereby exhausting the weekly ration and to close up for a few days. Time came for the call to “fall in”, or to those inside “fall out”. One could see great difficulties getting the troops in order, let alone lining up with rifles at ease. A long orderly queue had developed and terminated into a very small outside toilet… they were the vogue in that era and never designed for such a demand as that. Everybody were now milling around in an aimless fashion, laughing, joking including the Sergeants and Corporals, and realising it was impossible to take the “war games” seriously and cancellation it had to be. Next exercise came… no Public House for miles. Lesson learned.		A planned weekend call out was organised by Eastern Command involving all the Regulars, Civil Defence, Ambulance Services and Home Guard. Most of the action appeared to be the coastal areas leaving the inland groups to make their own arrangements. Not a good start. Evening manoeuvres was another activity that the Platoon became involved in, and usually on the Saturday with a limited number of men. Our first “turn out” became a complete failure and a valuable lesson learned… Do not write on the Platoon Notice Board “Assemble in the ……… Public House.” Strange that word “at” read as “in”. The landlord must have been very pleased to see thirty or more Home Guards invading his premises on this Saturday evening, here was an excellent chance to drain his barrels, thereby exhausting the weekly ration and to close up for a few days. Time came for the call to “fall in”, or to those inside “fall out”. One could see great difficulties getting the troops in order, let alone lining up with rifles at ease. A long orderly queue had developed and terminated into a very small outside toilet… they were the vogue in that era and never designed for such a demand as that. Everybody were now milling around in an aimless fashion, laughing, joking including the Sergeants and Corporals, and realising it was impossible to take the “war games” seriously and cancellation it had to be. Next exercise came… no Public House for miles. Lesson learned.

	A joint effort with Barnards Home Guard, starting from Salhouse Road Works, we proceeded in total darkness towards the Blue Boar Lane in batches of six at intervals, finding cover in a hedge, then cross the road as silent as possible, wait a few minutes then cross again. All this in a crouched position, follow your leader. This went on for about a mile or two, twenty paces-cross, twenty paces-cross, on and on. It was an exhausting exercise really, with full pack and rifle. Halfway through the skies opened up and got a real soaking, alas no shelter, no pub! Most of the training was carried out with knowledge passed down by the Great War veterans and they themselves getting refreshed by the latest instruction manuals. As the days lengthened and with Spring in the air, the Recreation Ground began to put to full use, rifle drill, also strip and clean other weapons, all in double quick time. Throwing dummy hand grenades, map reading, aircraft recognition, camouflage and bayonet practice using straw bales as a target. Later, on one Sunday, a couple of athletic looking Sergeants from the Royal Norfolks arrived and demonstrated their undoubted skills of unarmed combat. After a 15-minute workout, they began “casting the net” for volunteers. True to Military doctrine, the you, you and you method of selection was applied and about twenty of the younger members found themselves the platoon “guinea pigs”. Split into two groups for an in-depth study of the noble art of U/C, and were soon to be seen throwing, tripping, grappling and generally being spread-eagled on the ground. It became a popular part of H.G. training and the squad increased. As time passed by they would often be seen at fetes or money raising events, showing off their expertise, or more likely a laugh or two… Another exercise that was popular and if turned into a team game better still. This would be a crawling race, with backpack, holding the rifle in both hands and crawl a distance making use of elbows and knees. There were obstacles on the way that had to be navigated. It was exhausting work, whether first or last the finishing post would be a welcome sight.		A joint effort with Barnards Home Guard, starting from Salhouse Road Works, we proceeded in total darkness towards the Blue Boar Lane in batches of six at intervals, finding cover in a hedge, then cross the road as silent as possible, wait a few minutes then cross again. All this in a crouched position, follow your leader. This went on for about a mile or two, twenty paces-cross, twenty paces-cross, on and on. It was an exhausting exercise really, with full pack and rifle. Halfway through the skies opened up and got a real soaking, alas no shelter, no pub! Most of the training was carried out with knowledge passed down by the Great War veterans and they themselves getting refreshed by the latest instruction manuals. As the days lengthened and with Spring in the air, the Recreation Ground began to put to full use, rifle drill, also strip and clean other weapons, all in double quick time. Throwing dummy hand grenades, map reading, aircraft recognition, camouflage and bayonet practice using straw bales as a target. Later, on one Sunday, a couple of athletic looking Sergeants from the Royal Norfolks arrived and demonstrated their undoubted skills of unarmed combat. After a 15-minute workout, they began “casting the net” for volunteers. True to Military doctrine, the you, you and you method of selection was applied and about twenty of the younger members found themselves the platoon “guinea pigs”. Split into two groups for an in-depth study of the noble art of U/C, and were soon to be seen throwing, tripping, grappling and generally being spread-eagled on the ground. It became a popular part of H.G. training and the squad increased. As time passed by they would often be seen at fetes or money raising events, showing off their expertise, or more likely a laugh or two… Another exercise that was popular and if turned into a team game better still. This would be a crawling race, with backpack, holding the rifle in both hands and crawl a distance making use of elbows and knees. There were obstacles on the way that had to be navigated. It was exhausting work, whether first or last the finishing post would be a welcome sight.

	===PROFICIENCY AWARD SCHEME===		===PROFICIENCY AWARD SCHEME===

Bev: /* HOME GUARD. FACTS AND FIGURES */

2016-06-10T05:56:49Z

HOME GUARD. FACTS AND FIGURES

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:56, 10 June 2016
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	Platoon Strength: End of 1942 …… 160. Maximum ………190.		Platoon Strength: End of 1942 …… 160. Maximum ………190.

	Occupations. Manual...145. Non-Manual…15. Shopworkers…10. Butchers……7.		Occupations. Manual...145. Non-Manual…15. Shopworkers…10. Butchers……7.

	IN & OUT.		IN & OUT.
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	Assorted weapons.		Assorted weapons.
	Rifles. 100. / Sten Guns.24. / Thomson. / 3. Lewis. 1. / Bren. 2. / Northover Projector. 1. / Blacker Bombard. 1 / Hand Grenades. / Morter Shells. / Sticky Bombs.		Rifles. 100. / Sten Guns.24. / Thomson. / 3. Lewis. 1. / Bren. 2. / Northover Projector. 1. / Blacker Bombard. 1 / Hand Grenades. / Morter Shells. / Sticky Bombs.


	===MEMBERS OF THE SPROWSTON PLATOON===		===MEMBERS OF THE SPROWSTON PLATOON===

Bev: /* COMMAND STRUCTURE */ convert to list

2016-06-10T05:55:42Z

COMMAND STRUCTURE: convert to list

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:55, 10 June 2016
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	Zone Commander became Brig/Colonel.		Zone Commander became Brig/Colonel.

	Group Commander became Colonel.		Group Commander became Colonel.

	Battalion Commander became Lieut/Colonel.		Battalion Commander became Lieut/Colonel.

	Company Commander became Major.		Company Commander became Major.

	Platoon Commander became Captain or Lieutenant.		Platoon Commander became Captain or Lieutenant.

	Section Commander became Sergeant.		Section Commander became Sergeant.

	Squad Commander became Corporal or Lance Corporal.		Squad Commander became Corporal or Lance Corporal.

	Volunteer…. Private.		Volunteer…. Private.

Bev: /* COMMAND STRUCTURE */ change spacing

2016-06-09T18:14:57Z

COMMAND STRUCTURE: change spacing

Bev: New page on local home guard

2016-06-09T18:08:57Z

New page on local home guard

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:14, 9 June 2016
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	“INVASION”		“INVASION”
	What to do………………..How to do it.		What to do………………..How to do it.

	1. If the Germans come, by Parachute, by Aeroplane, by Ship. Remain where you are… the order is to “STAY PUT”.		1. If the Germans come, by Parachute, by Aeroplane, by Ship. Remain where you are… the order is to “STAY PUT”.

	2. Do not believe rumours, do not spread them. When you receive an order, make sure whether TRUE or FALSE. Check with Police, A. R. P, Wardens or the Military.		2. Do not believe rumours, do not spread them. When you receive an order, make sure whether TRUE or FALSE. Check with Police, A. R. P, Wardens or the Military.

	3. Keep watch. If you see anything suspicious, make a careful note and report to the Police, A. R. P. or Military. Give facts and do not spread any rumours.		3. Keep watch. If you see anything suspicious, make a careful note and report to the Police, A. R. P. or Military. Give facts and do not spread any rumours.

	4. Do not give Germans anything, do not tell them anything. Hide your food, bicycles, maps, and petrol. Cars and Motor Cycles must be put out of operation… to hide ignition key is not enough. You must make vehicle useless. (Except for yourself). If you are a Garage Owner, you must work out a plan to protect your stock of Cars and Petrol. Remember that transport and petrol will be the main problem for the invaders. Deny them any means of transport.		4. Do not give Germans anything, do not tell them anything. Hide your food, bicycles, maps, and petrol. Cars and Motor Cycles must be put out of operation… to hide ignition key is not enough. You must make vehicle useless. (Except for yourself). If you are a Garage Owner, you must work out a plan to protect your stock of Cars and Petrol. Remember that transport and petrol will be the main problem for the invaders. Deny them any means of transport.

	5. Be ready to help the Military in any way you can. Do not block roads unless ordered by the Military or L. D. V.		5. Be ready to help the Military in any way you can. Do not block roads unless ordered by the Military or L. D. V.

	6. In Factories or shops, all Managers and Workmen to organise some system by which a sudden attack can be resisted. ……….These six rules give a general idea of what you can do in event of invasion. More detailed instructions from time to time.….……Further instructions will come from the Military, Police or L. D. V. No information will be transmitted over the Wireless (Radio) for obvious reasons.		6. In Factories or shops, all Managers and Workmen to organise some system by which a sudden attack can be resisted. ……….These six rules give a general idea of what you can do in event of invasion. More detailed instructions from time to time.….……Further instructions will come from the Military, Police or L. D. V. No information will be transmitted over the Wireless (Radio) for obvious reasons.

	7. Think before you act… Think of your Country before you Think of yourself.		7. Think before you act… Think of your Country before you Think of yourself.
	DATE of ISSUE, JUNE 1940.N. B. This was the instruction for all to follow. It was often quoted as the “Look, Listen and Report” instruction, or sometimes “Observe, Obstruct and Patrol”, translated as O, O, P, s.		DATE of ISSUE, JUNE 1940.N. B. This was the instruction for all to follow. It was often quoted as the “Look, Listen and Report” instruction, or sometimes “Observe, Obstruct and Patrol”, translated as O, O, P, s.
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	</gallery>		</gallery>

	The country survived the Battle of Britain and the projected invasion set for mid-September was shelved and the next possible date suggested would be April 1941. The Home Guard had increased in numbers and began to receive a bigger range of firearms, normal Army uniforms, (Denims taken out of use) webbing and ammunition pouches. Also a brown leather belt and gaiters… this was a surprise as these would normally be Officer’s equipment. By now the Sprowston unit had a title—10th Platoon and formed in a Company No. 3. With Catton, N. E. Norwich and Barnards Works Platoons. The Company met on a monthly basis at the Greyhound Stadium that was opposite the Brickmakers Public House. It was an ideal place as a parade ground and used for drilling, demonstration of equipment, with good facilities when weather bad. The Company were 500 to 600 strong and quite an impressive sight when on parade. Thinking about it one would believe with that number of people about, there must be chaos… not so, always taking the job seriously indeed… organised. The family tree did not end there as the Company had further links making up a 2000 strong Battalion No. 10. and taking it a stage onwards to be attached to the 76th. Division of the Royal Norfolks. The City of Norwich started with two Battalions the 6th and the 10th. an additional Battalion, 16th. added as recruitment rose. The operational boundary was the East Zone, North to South of County. Other zones known as West and Middle of the County.		The country survived the Battle of Britain and the projected invasion set for mid-September was shelved and the next possible date suggested would be April 1941. The Home Guard had increased in numbers and began to receive a bigger range of firearms, normal Army uniforms, (Denims taken out of use) webbing and ammunition pouches. Also a brown leather belt and gaiters… this was a surprise as these would normally be Officer’s equipment. By now the Sprowston unit had a title—10th Platoon and formed in a Company No. 3. With Catton, N. E. Norwich and Barnards Works Platoons. The Company met on a monthly basis at the Greyhound Stadium that was opposite the Brickmakers Public House. It was an ideal place as a parade ground and used for drilling, demonstration of equipment, with good facilities when weather bad. The Company were 500 to 600 strong and quite an impressive sight when on parade. Thinking about it one would believe with that number of people about, there must be chaos… not so, always taking the job seriously indeed… organised. The family tree did not end there as the Company had further links making up a 2000 strong Battalion No. 10. and taking it a stage onwards to be attached to the 76th. Division of the Royal Norfolks. The City of Norwich started with two Battalions the 6th and the 10th. an additional Battalion, 16th. added as recruitment rose. The operational boundary was the East Zone, North to South of County. Other zones known as West and Middle of the County.

	===INVASION COMMITTEES===		===INVASION COMMITTEES===