Seventy years ago, with a German invasion expected at any time, the Local Defence Volunteers were formed. They soon gained the nickname, ‘Look-Duck-Vanish’, not because of any cowardice on the part of the volunteers but because of the role which they were initially given.

As the potted history on Wikipedia makes clear the early history of the organisation was even more chaotic than various representations of their activities suggests. It was only the personal intervention of the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, that resulted in a change of name to the Home Guard and the eventual provision of uniforms, (originally only arm-bands printed ‘LDV’ were issued), weapons, (at first they were not expected to engage with the invading enemy, only to observe and report to the Military) and training.

The volunteers were mainly men who were too old for active service, many having served in the First World War or earlier. Consequently they quickly became known as ‘Dad’s Army’.

To mark the contribution of the Home Guard to the defence of the nation, and in particular to recognise their work locally, there will be a coffee morning in Veryan Parish Hall on Saturday, 13 November from 10.30am to noon. It is hoped that everyone who has any mementoes of the Home Guard or of the Second World War more generally will bring them to the Hall to create an ad hoc display. There will be a photograph of the Veryan Platoon of the Home Guard so that people can help to identify individual members.

The children of Veryan School will be working on topics connected with the Second World War during the second half of term and would appreciate hearing any stories people have about the period.

The display will remain in place until after the Remembrance Day Service. After the service has ended everyone is invited to meet in the Hall for a glass of wine and the opportunity to reminisce.

This is a community enterprise and we hope that many parishioners will take the opportunity to join us to honour those who formed our Dad’s Army.

There is a chance to see ‘Dad’s Army’ in action as Veryan Players will be performing the play by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, (the creators of the popular TV series), in Veryan Parish Hall from Wednesday, 24 to Saturday, 27 November.