THIS week I am reminded by the opening of the new Dad’s Army film of the real Home Guard, who were very much present in Thurrock during the Second World War.

On May 14, 1940, Sir Anthony Eden, Secretary of State for War, broadcast a radio appeal for men to join a new home defence force. It was initially named the Local Defence Force, but Winston Churchill is reported to have felt the name was not dynamic enough and the force were soon known as the Home Guard.

In Thurrock, this came under the 3rd Essex Battalion and was divided into sectors across the district.

Volunteers were accepted from those who were either too young or too old to join the armed services, or who were in reserved occupations. The age limits were 17 to 65.

With so many essential war production companies and the docks in Thurrock, the male workforce were soon were joining up. While most were inexperienced in military matters, there was a sprinkling of older men with experience of fighting in the First World War. This group tended to provide the bulk of the officers and NCOs, although clergymen and other people with leadership experience often assumed command.

At Coalhouse Fort, the East Tilbury Home Guard platoon formed a unique Royal Artillery sub detachment of 356 Coast Battery.

Their duties were to man the Thames coastal gun defence with the two 5.5-inch calibre ex-naval guns that had been positioned in bombproof emplacements on the fort roof.

One picture survives in Thurrock Museum of this platoon and I recognise George Noakes, who lived in East Tilbury village, while many others were from the Bata shoe factory community, I suspect.

Other Home Guard units patrolled at night and protected factories and important road junctions .

Recently, the museum enhanced the Deneholesspigot mortar gun site and put up an interpretation board.

If you have not seen it, walk up the path by the garage going into Hangman’s Wood and you will shortly come across the concrete base where the gun was mounted to defend the road junction during an invasion.

Although we laugh about the Home Guard, it was for many a serious part of the Army and members put in much training and time to serve their community and country.