Home Guard – Camp at Mission

September 1941

Mexborough & Swinton Times. September 1941

Home Guard

Officers, N.C.O.’s and men of the Conisborough and Denaby companies of the Home Guard numbering 250, under their respective Commanders, Major Philip Brocklesby and Major Norman Hulley, returned home on Sunday after a spending a week in camp at Misson.

The camp was held under the command of the Assistant Battalion Commander, Major J. R. Middleton Walker, and under the instruction of some very adept N.C.O.’s of the regular Army a high standard of proficiency was reached by the men. Every volunteer realised his own personal responsibilities and the general bearing and behaviour of the men was all that could be desired.

By Thursday the rumour had got about the camp that there would be a sit-down “strike” on Sunday afternoon as a protest against having to leave which was only prevented by Major Munson, of Rossington, who acted as Quartermaster, announcing a “strike” in the way of food which proved to be excellent throughout the week and reflected great credit upon Major Hulley as Messing Officer for the Battalion who smoothed out all difficulties both in the Mess Room and the Canteen.

The Battalion claim that this is the first Home Guard camp in the country and the remarkable success of the venture has been due to the splendid efforts of the Battalion Commander, Lieut . Col. J. B. Keates, M.C., and especially to Major Frost, second in Command.

On their return home both Companies, led by the Rossington Silver Band, paraded through Denaby to the Welfare Institute.