Victory in Europe Reenactment Association
The Home Guard
The Home Guard was originally formed in May 1940 as the Local Defence Volunteers primarily as a defence against German Paratroops and to man roadblocks in the face of an imminent German invasion.
Initially they could not be issued with effective weapons as all available arms went to the regular forces as they had left much of their equipment in France, following the retreat from Dunkirk they were now in the process of rapid expansion and rearming.
After a time supplies of weapons became available from the U.S.A. and these helped bolster the fighting effectiveness of the volunteers who after 23 July 1940 were known as the Home Guard. As the War progressed supplies of uniforms,equipment and weapons became more readily available and the Home Guard became a well organised and equipped defensive force.
Originally uniform consisted of an armband firstly marked L.D.V. and then HOME GUARD but this eventually became full Battle Dress and helmet as worn by the regular army.The Home Guard stayed as a key part of Britain's defences until 1 November 1944 when it was decided they were no longer required and the Home Guard was officially 'stood down'.
The Victory in Europe Reenactment Association Home Guard - represent a small body of men (although you wouldn't think so looking at their waistlines!) who by day work at a small engineering firm in the N.E. of England - Viscount Engineering. After a full day working on the production line producing vital components for the war effort - 'washers', the men put on their uniforms to protect their factory and homes from the invader.
George Hardly-Worthit the factory owner also happens to be the Home Guard Platoon Commander and his right hand man is Sgt Kennedy - the factory foreman!
Through his contacts in the USA, Mr Hardly-Worthit has recently purchased for the platoon (at his own expense...) a Lewis Gun and a Browining Automatic Rifle. Mr Hardly-Worthit says just as soon as he gets the new government contract for a new batch of washers to be used on some new fangled top secret tank - he'll buy some ammunition...
The Home Guard Armband - one for each man!
The Home Guard arm insignia of the 'V.E.R.A.' Home Guard Platoon - A 'ficticious' Home Guard unit of a small (but of great strategic importance!) engineering company based in the North east of England...
Viscount Engineering - A 'ficticious' engineering company based in the North east of England... Viscount Engineering undertakes vital war work producing fine quality washers for tanks, planes and battleships! The Company proprietor is George Hardly-Worthit - who just happens to be the Commander of the Home Guard Platoon too!
