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KINDLY FALL IN: The Langley Burrell Home Guard outside a pair of cottages on Swindon Road around 1942

A TALE of the real life Dad's Army in Langley Burrell has been put together by researcher Anthony Millard.

The 69-year-old military historian has spent 18 months researching the Home Guard based in Langley Burrell, near Chippenham, after being inspired by a photograph of his father Arthur.

The picture shows Mr Millard senior with the home guard in the 1930s.

In the long running BBC comedy, pompous bank manager Captain George Main-waring (Arthur Lowe) and his much more polite sergeant Arthur Wilson (John LeMesurier) lead their regiment though countless mishaps.

But although the 1970s comedy pokes fun at the Home Guard and its bumbling ways, Mr Millard says the guard provided a valuable role in the war effort.

During the Second World War the rural armies were kept on standby should any invaders strike from air or sea into the countryside.

Mr Millard said: "You have to remember that something like Dad's Army is entertainment.

"They were actually doing a very important job as civilians trying to be soldiers.

"I was very young at the time and cannot remember a great deal about my father's role in the Home Guard but I recall him wearing his webbing belt and greatcoat, which belonged to his uniform for many years after.

"I have always been interested in military history and found that very little has been written about the Langley Burrell Home Guard so decided to do my bit."

The Langley Burrell Company's head quarters was a purpose built hut in the southern corner of the village cricket field, and there were 42 volunteers.

They trained on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings in Draycot Cerne and often held guard duties in pillboxes along the River Avon, which are still visible today.

However, one member, Fritz Hall, couldn't train on Sundays because he was milking cows and delivering dairy food to the village.

Although the company never encountered serious danger they suffered one casualty. On August 1, 1944 when Private Herbert Bone was struck by a mini bus in Hilmarton while cycling. He is buried in Kellaways churchyard where his grave is marked with a military stone.

Mr Millard is keen to hear from anyone who may be able to help him complete his booklet.

He said: "I've been lucky to get most of my information from Chippenham, Calne and Devizes, because they were all local.

"To hear from anyone who was in the regiment and is still around would be the icing on the cake."

To get in touch with Mr Millard email l.doyle@btconnect.com

2:07pm Wednesday 9th April 2008

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