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Charlwood, 1940
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Charlwood, 1940
Two elderly members of the Local Defence Volunteers (later known as the Home Guard) in Charlwood, Surrey, stand armed with shotguns in front of the village war memorial. The L.D.V. was established in 1940 to prepare British citizens for a possible German invasion.
1940
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Media ID 14405425
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Charlwood Dads Defence Effort Elderly Guard Sep16 Shotgun Surrey Volunteers Shotguns
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> World War I and II
> War memorials
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph, taken in Charlwood, Surrey in 1940, captures the spirit of the Local Defence Volunteers (L.D.V.), also known as the Home Guard, during World War II. The two elderly gentlemen, dressed in civilian clothing and armed with shotguns, stand proudly in front of the village war memorial. Established in May 1940, the L.D.V. was created to prepare British citizens for a possible German invasion, as regular military forces were stretched thinly across Europe. With the threat of invasion looming, the call to arms resonated deeply within communities, and many older men, like these two, answered the call to serve their country. The image of these determined and resilient men, standing guard in their village, is a poignant reminder of the collective efforts made during the darkest days of the war. The shotguns they carry were not only symbols of their commitment, but also practical tools for defending their homes and loved ones. As we reflect on this image, we are reminded of the sacrifices and resilience of the British people during World War II, and the enduring spirit of community and unity that sustained them through those challenging times.
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