Glamorgan Home Guard
LIVING HISTORY GROUP
Uniform
As the war progressed, the Home Guard uniform progressed/changed three time. Initially volunteers wore their own civilian clothes, together with an armband of some sort, firstly LDV (Local Defence Volunteer) and then Home Guard. As things got organised, they were issued with Denim uniform, which was in fact a work uniform for soldiers. Whilst this was styled on the uniform of the day, the material was thinner and had a hight cotton content. This did however instil a lot of pride in the men, even if the fit was not always that good. The issue started in May 1940, though some unit were still in denims in the spring of 1941 Finally, there was enough capacity in the factories and mills to produce BD (Battle Dress) uniform for the Home Guard. Issue started in November 1940 and once again some unit, usually those in areas that were not considered at risk of invasion, were still waiting many months before their supplies got through in sufficient quantity.
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Equipment
The Home Guard were issued with the 1903 Leather Belt, upon which various pouches were to be mounted. The belt was fitted with a sleeve made of webbing, that were fitted with the buckles necessary to fit the cross straps.
Initially basic pouches were leather ones left over from WW1, or web ones specific to the weapon carried, such as Lewis Gun pouches.
Water bottles were issued on a one between two basis and were the same pattern as the Army were using, but were carried in a leather cradle, that was used in WW1.
Gas Masks were of course carried at all times and during the early part of the war, Home Guards were ordered to only use their 'Service Respirator' while on duty. This meant that the men would have 2, or more Gas masks, depending on whether they were at home, in work, or on HG duties. However eventually this was recognised as being wasteful and the rule was relaxed so that the could carry their Service Respirator at all times.
One unique piece of 'Kit' was the Home Guard Haversack. This was made only for the Home Guard and was made from a rubberised material, not unlike the Groundsheet issued to the Army. It had only one buckle (saving Metal) and a simple strap, that relied on being sewn to alter the length.
The Haversack could be worn slung over the shoulder, or on the back, depending on what other equipment the 'Guardsman' was carrying.
Typical contents would be, food for 24 hours, spare socks, Knife, Fork and spoon, mug, Soap, razor, towel, comb, handkerchief, wound dressings, spare ammo etc.
Later in the war, better pouches would filter through allowing ammo to be carried in pouches to the front of the belt, though the Haversack remained a permanent feature
Requirements for Group Members
Field Cap (a.k.a. - side hat/Field Service Cap/FS Hat)
Steel Helmet Mk1 (a.k.a. - Tin Helmet/Tin Lid/Battle Bowler/War Bonnet)
Collarless shirt, or collared shirt & tie (note tie should be wool, not silk, or cotton)
Denim Blouse, with 'Home Guard' shoulder titles
Denim Trousers
Leather 1903 pattern Belt (polish with brown shoe polish, for that authentic look)
Leather Anklets (or if unavailable, webbing ones dyed with brown shoe polish)
Black Boots (Ammo boots, or D.M.S. rubber soles are safer , but your choice)
Respirator Haversack (a.k.a. Gas Bag/Gas Haversack/Sandwich Bag)
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Bayonet in Frog (to fit rifle normally carried)
Rifle (a.k.a. - Bundook/Long Arm/Best Friend) (P17, or P14 best, but Lee Enfield Mk3 OK)
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As our current Portrayal, is Late 1940, early 1941, the above is the Minimum requirement, in order to all 'turn out' looking the same.
Additional equipment can of course be collected, but when 'Parading' together it is important that we all dress alike.
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Additional equipment, that will come in useful includes:
Pouches (set of two)
Groundsheet/cape
Home Guard Haversack
Water bottle