Lest We Forget - Volume 11 www.nfld.net/rclnfprovcom 111 THE GRAND FALLS COMPANY, NEWFOUNDLAND MILITIA (HOME GUARD) Formed early in 1940 and served until after VE Day, this was an unpaid volunteer force that was designed to work with the Canadian Army garrison at Botwood in repelling any attempt at seaborne invasion and/or harassing any enemy force that did land. Consisting mainly of men who, for age, health or family reasons, could not serve in the full time forces, there were quite a few who joined underage then got into the CA(A) at Botwood. Uniforms (battledress) were provided and at first, the unit was armed with Ross 303 rifles but after about a year, were equipped with No. 4 Lee Enfields. Full strength was roughly 100, but composed as it was mainly of men who worked shifts in the AND Co. Mill, a full turnout was a really rare event. A notable exception occurred on May 24, 1941 when the air raid alarm sounded and the word went out that this was a real alarm and not a drill (the Bismarck was at sea).That evening the roll call was 100%, many of the men leaving their jobs in the mill without waiting for relief. There is at present only one Home Guard surviving, Mr. Sterling Thomas, a member of the Grand Falls Branch of The Legion.
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