Verwood
UK - History
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(A selection of stories, paraphrased from 'Verwood at War' presented by members of the Verwood Evening Womens' Institute in 1984.)
Wandering Pilots One local man tells the story of when the Home Guard were called out to arrest a German pilot who had baled out when his plane came down, to crash at Gotham. In the early hours, in darkness, the Guard made their way up the road and met someone walking. The usual "Good morning!" was exchanged and the search continued. Luckily the police later met the early morning wanderer, took him into custody and escorted him to the nearest POW camp!
Defense The LDV drilled with
broomsticks, hay-forks or shot- guns. One lady remembers the
rubber tube her husband was given into which he was to
insert an iron bar with which to fight off the Germans. At
Eastworth, a wagon was positioned near the railway bridge,
to be pulled across the road if invasion came. The signpost
at the Crossroads was removed.
The Cows Attack Eventually each platoon of the
Home Guard had a rifle and five bullets. One night a young
volunteer was on guard near the railway and heard rustling.
He called out "Halt, who goes there?" but there
was no reply and the rustling got nearer. He threw down the
gun and ran. It was later thought to have been a cow.
Bonfire Attacked Soon the Home Guard were issued
with battle- dress and more sophisticated weapons with which
they were sometimes less than professional! Here, in
Verwood, they were given an anti-tank gun which, it was
felt, should be demonstrated on the recreation ground. A
large bonfire was built, with a lump of steel in the middle
to represent an oncoming German tank. Great excitement was
generated for the Sunday afternoon demonstration. The gun
was set up and the order given to fire. It missed. So the
gun was moved closer. A second order was given, but again,
it missed. It was moved even closer....and finally the
'tank' was hit to great cheering and much relief!
Parade When over 7000 of 'Dad's Army',
from all parts of L/Cpl E F Shearing, Privates V A Bailey and A F Lockyer |
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