Crossroads and Characters

58. A FIRST WAR HOME GUARD?

Everyone knows that the Home Guard was a phenomenon of World War II, the Dads' Army which performed so ably during the Blitz. The surprise is that at least in Dunning a Home Guard appears to have existed in World War I as well. Actually the term 'home guard' was first used in the U.S.A. (Mark Twain referred to it) and has been used since in several other countries. This is a picture of Dunning's version, photographed at Invermay Estate on April 1, 1917. Setting aside that date, evidence confirms there was a group formed in 1916 called Perthshire Volunteers National Guard, and Dunning's unit was commanded by a Mr. Fraser of Invermay. The nickname 'Home Guard' is attested by two reputable Dunning witnesses. Their father was one of the Volunteers, who drilled in the Cow Park much out of breath, to the delight of the local children