Home Guard Training Pocket Manual

During World War II, private publications were produced to supplement the official Home Guard manual. These manuals covered a range of topics, including patrolling, night fighting, drill, and small arms proficiency, and were welcomed by local Home Guard units to prepare for possible invasion. This pocket manual collates a selection of material from these publications, written by serving soldiers and reprinted due to demand.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2019
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

The Home Guard Training Pocket Manual is a compilation of publications that were privately published during World War II to supplement the official Home Guard manual produced by the War Office. These manuals covered a wide range of topics, including patrolling, night fighting, drill and small arms proficiency, as well as the legal powers of the Home Guard. The men of local Home Guard units were eager to prepare for possible invasion, and these manuals were welcomed as a valuable resource to help them do so.

The pocket manual includes a selection of material from these publications, often written by serving soldiers and reprinted multiple times due to demand. The content is organized into chapters, each covering a specific topic. For example, Chapter 1 discusses the role of the Home Guard, while Chapter 2 provides instructions on patrolling. Chapter 3 covers night fighting, and Chapter 4 covers drill and small arms proficiency.

One of the most interesting aspects of these manuals is the emphasis on practical skills and knowledge. The authors were aware that the Home Guard units would be the first line of defense in the event of invasion, and they wanted to provide the men with the skills and knowledge they needed to be effective. The manuals include detailed instructions on everything from the use of small arms to the construction of defensive positions.

Another notable feature of these manuals is the emphasis on teamwork and communication. The authors recognized that the Home Guard units would be operating in a decentralized manner, and they provided instructions on how to coordinate activities and communicate effectively. The manuals also include examples of successful operations and tactics that the Home Guard units had employed during training and in combat.

Overall, The Home Guard Training Pocket Manual is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of World War II, the Home Guard, or practical military skills and knowledge. The selection of publications included in the manual provides a glimpse into the minds of the soldiers who wrote them and the challenges they faced during the war. The manuals are also a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the role that individuals can play in protecting their communities during times of crisis.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 202 x 138 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781612007670