Home Front Heroes

04/06/2026

All set up ready for my "The Home Guard in Shropshire' talk this afternoon to the Alberbury and Loton Women's Institute

06/05/2026

Last month I gave an illustrated talk to around 40 members ( including some husbands) of the Annscroft Snowdrops ladies group on The Home Guard in Shropshire. Highlight for me was when I put up a photo of the local home guard platoon and many of the members recognised a lot of the men in the photograph 🙂.

I also displayed some of my Home Front and Home Guard collection which prompted a lot of questions and revived memories for many of the audience.

The photo shows me getting animated describing the workings of the German Butterfly Bomb.

03/05/2026

Great day out with the Shropshire and Border Counties Military Vehicle Trust supporting the Abbey Railway Station Museum in Shrewsbury for their World War Two day. Lots of engagement from the many visitors and lots of good questions, particularly from the youngsters.

27/03/2026

19/02/2026

Another day at the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum in Shrewsbury Castle with Churchill Warriors. Lots of great engagement, great questions and knowledge sharing with visitors from as far afield as Canada and The Netherlands.

17/02/2026

Supporting the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum at Shrewsbury Castle this week with Churchill Warriors Living History Group.

16/02/2026

Well that's that then!
About 9 months ago I volunteered to give a talk on the Home Guard to a U3A Military History group that I belong to. Being a smart arse I decided I would do it with a twist by dressing up as a HG member even though I had no kit.
So I went and bought a uniform and a r***e and put a post on Facebook seeking out a local group who may be able to help me with my research. That's how I became part of Churchill Warriors Living History Group and the rest is history, a passing interest has turned into a full on hobby and introduced me to some great people who share my interest.
Today was the day I delivered my talk to the Military History group and if I say so myself it went down very well indeed! An hour and twenty mins on my feet talking, followed by a good half hour answering questions and letting people handle all the guns, bombs and other kit I took along. Feedback was amazing, with the organiser saying it was one of the best talks they had ever had in the group. Chuffed to bits with the way it all went and I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped me for your help, advice and friendship over the last 9 months. Can't wait to get stuck in this year now!

13/02/2026

From the Daily Express Saturday 18th October 1941.
Terribly sad news, a real life RAF 'Saving Private Ryan' story without the happy ending.Concerning the family of Frank Barnwell, designer of the Blenheim and Beaufort, key allied aircraft of WW2

09/02/2026

To coin a Rob Wilton catchphrase " the day war broke out "