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Post by Bonkers on Oct 24, 2004 14:51:46 GMT -5
The idea for this section of the Tommy Atkins Society, is for like minded people, who are interested in the home life of the British civilians of the 1938/45 period, to come together, with our collections or just dress the part. Originally it seemed a good way to get , wives, partners and family of existing members involved with the Tommy Atkins Society, being for the most part a front line and all male group. So, a sub-section for those wishing to join in, was brought up. Doing that, why not make it open to all? That's what this is all about. We cover all areas of the civilian life, from the humble housewife and mother, to the wardens and ambulance drivers, women and men. Has a woman you could be a fire watcher, a Land Army Girl ( W.L.A), or any other organisation member. Perhaps a telephonist or postal worker(nice hat)? The options are great. Same for the blokes, you might like to be a warden or policeman, homeguard or maybe even a blackmarket racketeer? Children too can be members, as school kids or Army Cadet, Air Cadet and possably for young girls, a member of the G.T.C, Girl training Corps or jounior nurse? It's all up the individual, how far you want to take the realism? If you are a collector, what better way to show or swap your items. Or just an enthusiast, wanting to meet someone with new ideas and information? There will be a newsletter every quarter, and, you too can contribute any information. The first issue will be sent out in January. Myself, i collect helmets and gas masks, along with smaller itemstoo. I have a wardens uniform and rescue outfit, as well as a Leicestershire rifleman i wear for the Tommy Atkins events. If you would like to know more or are interested in joining us contact me, Bonkers.
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Tommy
Full Member
"We few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother.
Posts: 185
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Post by Tommy on Oct 31, 2004 12:47:29 GMT -5
Id be up for doing the Home guard ;D ;D ;D
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Post by Bonkers on Nov 1, 2004 16:12:40 GMT -5
Go for it Tommy. Let me know what County an' i'll tell you the lettering for the badge. You can be any rank you like matey, Officer if you wanna?
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Tommy
Full Member
"We few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother.
Posts: 185
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Post by Tommy on Nov 2, 2004 6:12:43 GMT -5
Sounds great pal ;D Cant wait, the jobs a gudden! Ill get to work on it and let you know how I get on at Redditch. Ive already done a bit of research into the rugby lot and the Warwickshire and Leicestershire Battalions!
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Post by Tiny on Nov 2, 2004 14:09:11 GMT -5
I quite like the idea of Fire Watcher as my Mum's Dad did that in Northampton during the war, but I have no idea where I'd get the uniform from
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Post by Guv on Nov 2, 2004 14:35:13 GMT -5
My Grandfather (an ex Great War Veteran) was a Sergeant in the 12th Bn (Home Guard) Northamptonshire Regiment. I have a copy of the official history of the Regt, there is a photograph of him parading for the Lord Mayor in it. The only downfall is I must be getting old, as I look exactly like him! When I get too old or infirm running about the battlefield with the young Tiger Cubs, It's nice to know that I can still do my bit with Bonkers' L.D.V.
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Post by Bonkers on Nov 2, 2004 14:45:48 GMT -5
Nice one Guv. Firewatchers din't get a uniform. Boo hoo . But , they got a tin hat an' a whistle. ;D They wore the Zuckerman helmet, and an armband. The best thing to wear outfit wise, is a Mackintosh type overcoat with an armband, you'll look cool.
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Post by Bonkers on Nov 2, 2004 15:00:19 GMT -5
Oh, by the way, Tiny. If you like the idea, Springfields sell Civil defence blouses and trousers , last time i looked it was £35 per set, or £20 each. All services during the war had fire watchers, even the guides and scouts.
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Tommy
Full Member
"We few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother.
Posts: 185
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Post by Tommy on Nov 4, 2004 6:51:33 GMT -5
My Nans Dad was a miner during the war ( that meant an extra coal ration for them!) and all the workers where made to do a shift of fire watching after work each night. My Nan and Grandad on my mothers side where kids during the war and by the sound of it there was no end to the mischeif and fun that kids made out of the little they had.
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Post by Whizz_Bang on Nov 4, 2004 12:29:36 GMT -5
Extra meat ration too..... but only after they threatened to strike !
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Post by Tiny on Nov 5, 2004 12:31:30 GMT -5
Cheers Bonkers, I'll look into it ;D
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Tommy
Full Member
"We few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother.
Posts: 185
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Post by Tommy on Nov 8, 2004 10:34:25 GMT -5
Bonkers, do you know if the rugby lot belonged to the 7th Warwickshire battalion?
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Post by Bonkers on Nov 8, 2004 14:16:00 GMT -5
Pretty sure they were. I have not found a single badge or abbreviation for Rugby? Anywhere. Will keep you informed on this.ok
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Post by Tiny on Nov 14, 2004 8:54:06 GMT -5
Thanks for your help Bonkers. i've decided to do RAF VR as my home front impression. Although they flew on ops, they were mostly based in the UK. I'm looking at recreating the early part of the war, so if you have any info on what the pilots may have carried on their person and the type of gas mask they carried etc, it would be apprciated. ;D
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