The Home Guard Protecting the Thames
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The Home Guard Protecting the Thames
Two members of the Home Guard chat to Colonel Burnell on a pleasure boat, now converted into a Thames patrol boat. Note that the men are wearing LDV armbands. The Local Defence Volunteers were officially renamed the Home Guard on 22 July 1940.
1940
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Media ID 14405504
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Colonel Dads Defence Defense Guard Invasion Mobilisation Mobilization Morale Sep16 Volunteer Volunteers Burnell
EDITORS COMMENTS
In the heart of London, during the tumultuous year of 1940, the serene waters of the Thames bore an unexpected military presence. This evocative photograph captures a moment of respite for two Local Defence Volunteers (LDV), later known as the Home Guard, as they engage in a conversation with Colonel Charles Burnell on board a converted pleasure boat. The tranquil scene belies the underlying tension and unease that gripped the city as the threat of a German invasion loomed large. The LDV, an essential component of the British Home Front during World War II, were ordinary citizens who answered the call to defend their communities and homeland. The men in this image, dressed in their distinctive LDV armbands, stand proudly at their posts, their determination and commitment to the cause evident. Colonel Burnell, a respected military figure, served as a vital link between the Home Guard and the regular army. His presence on the Thames patrol boat underscores the importance of the Home Guard's role in the defense of London and the United Kingdom. The mobilization of the Home Guard, officially named on July 22, 1940, played a significant role in boosting morale and providing a sense of security to the population. The sight of these brave volunteers, both on and off duty, served as a reminder of the collective spirit and resilience of the British people during wartime. As the sun sets over the Thames, the Home Guard's watchful gaze remains unwavering, a testament to their unwavering commitment to protect their city and their country.
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