Interviews with members of the Isle of Man Home Guard about their service during the Second World War
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Date(s): 31 October 1969
Scope & Content: Members of the Isle of Man Home Guard talk to Manx Radio about their service during the Second World War on the 25th anniversary of the disbanding of the Isle of Man Home Guard, 31 October 1944.
T.R. Moore talks about the Peel Home Guard; sudden formation of Home Guard after the fall of Holland and France; no ranks initially; first evening on duty at Peel Castle, equipped only with walking sticks and armbands whilst inspecting officer had a revolver but no ammunition; Peel company’s area of responsibility, including the Sloc where bombs were dropped; member patrolling back of Peel Castle and claiming to see the Moddey Dhoo (mythical hound); Manx Home Guard soon well-equipped due to geographic position of the island; providing the guard of honour at 1941 Tynwald; friendships formed; exercises with regular troops.
Unknown speaker talks about how he was previously a sergeant with the Loyal Manx; joined artillery company at Tromode in 1942; ordnance and officers; selection of farm servants to move guns; hiring vans to tow guns and accident returning from exercise at Creg-ny-Baa; comradeship and the canteen.
Deemster S.J. Kneale recalls great response of the Isle of Man following Anthony Eden's broadcast for Home Guard volunteers; registration at police station; 500 men at first mass meeting in King George V Park; commanding 1st Manx battalion; importance of observation posts watching for parachute drops; bomb dropped at Baldwin; well equipped; fear of Germans invading through Ireland with the island as aircraft carrier; training and efficiency commended by senior officers; range of resources.
Major Groves (second in command of the 2nd Manx battalion) talks about the Eden broadcast in May 1940; senior officers including Colonel Scott; training; Sulby Cossacks Home Guard unit; wonderful spirit amongst recruits from all walks of life and of all ages including a veteran of the Boer War; farmers training after a day in the fields.
T.C. Faragher talks about his memories Rushen Home Guard; drills rarely missed including one man running home to fetch respirator; light-hearted story of his trouble with senior officers after he used unauthorised and unexpected ordnance during an exercise.
Norman Crowe talks about the Kirk Michael Home Guard; importance of Michael as only part of the island suitable for shore landings; anecdote about an elderly volunteer raising alarms; country recruits well qualified; problem with rifle; happy memories of comradeship.
Language: English
Extent: 33 min. 46 sec.
Item name: magnetic recording tape
Collection: Sound Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: SA 0138
Access conditions: All reasonable attempt has been made by Manx National Heritage to trace and request permission (where needed) from the copyright holder(s) in this sound recording. If however you think you are a rights holder then please contact Manx National Heritage.
Subject tags : #UOSH, #UOSHSecondWorldWar