Memorial Plaque Unveiled to Honor Local Home Guard Volunteers

Memorial Plaque Unveiled to Honor Local Home Guard Volunteers

County Commandant Col Steve Kendall MBE, Adult Instructors and Cadets from Midsomer Norton Platoon were delighted to be invited to the Somerset and Dorset Heritage Railway Trust’s 1940’s Day.

Col Kendall was honoured to unveil a plaque in memory of the service given by the Midsomer Norton Home Guard who would have defended a Pillbox at the location in the event of an invasion.

Col Kendall said “This is especially significant for the Army Cadet Force. The 2IC of the Home Guard was Captain Gordon Hillier who was also Head of the Somerset Army Cadet Battalion during the war years.

Secondly, one of the patrons of this event is Alan Readhead, who has published a book on the Midsomer Norton Home Guard. His father, Lt Bill Readhead, was a Home Guard member and took part in a shooting competition in October 1944 with the Army and the Police.

The Home Guard won and the prize cup was donated to the Army Cadets to inspire the next generation of marksmen. I am delighted to say that when Alan enquired if we still had the cup, it was found in our stores and will be presented again to our best cadet shot. The cup will be known as the ‘Bill Readhead Cup’. A fitting tribute to connect todays cadets with those who served in the past.”