Out of step in the real Dad’s Army

ON MAY 14, 1940, the government made an urgent radio appeal for all men between the ages of 17 to 65 who were not already in the Armed Forces to become part-time soldiers. Within a week a quarter of a million men had volunteered, and by July this had become 1.5 million. These men were known as the Home Guard — and I was one of them. Watching a re-run of Dad’s Army, which jests about the worthiness of the Home Guard, made me think. Though we all took our role seriously, there were a few incidents where the TV show’s joking rings true. I remember a march-past of all platoons in Hertford. A general and the mayor were on the saluting base for a public display, which turned out to be a disaster. When we were about 100 yards from the saluting base, the platoon in front of us was told to change step. Our officer had said the same, but because of the clapping crowd, only the first three rows heard his orders. The corporal at the rear bellowed the order again and the first few rows changed step once more. By the time we passed the mayor, it was utter chaos. Every other man was out of step and the crowd went from clapping to laughing. ‘Don’t tell him, Pike’? Yes, I would certainly say we fell into that category!

Bob Hunt, Bengeo, Hertford.