How Medbourne Prepared for World War II

This is Medbourne's Invasion Plan, published by the County of Leicester Invasion Committee, marked "Secret" but not dated. Presumably published in 1939 or 1940. This is a transcript, as a scan of the original typed document is unlikely to be readable online. The original is available for inspection at St. Giles' church.

The first part of the document is fairly generic; it's the second part that will be of particular interest to Medbourne residents. This is the Medbourne Invasion Committee Scheme and, as such, is fascinating as it contains names and places. Some names have changed so, for example, Kennel Lane is now Manor Road.

Whilst all the voluntary services are named, the Home Guard are not described in the same detail, whether for security reasons or because this information was elsewhere. In order to complete the record there is a 1940 photo of the Home Guard complete with their names at the bottom of this page.

The transcript has been altered slightly to fit the format constraints of the web and some persistent spelling errors corrected as they are distracting. (To envisage the original replace all instances of "troops" with "troups" and "Nevill" with "Nevil".) Underlined text in the original is shown in bold, and tabbed text in the original is shown in tables.

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Parish of Medbourne

Combined Civil and Military Defence Scheme

INTRODUCTION

A summarised statement of the Civil preparations against Invasion, the resources of the Parish, and the main points to which the Invasion Committee has directed its attention.

1. OUTLINE OF PROBLEM

(a) The main Military requirements are that Civil arrangements shall be fully co-ordinated with Military plans and dispositions, and that every possible assistance shall be given by the Civil administration, especially in keeping roads open, the feeding of the Home Guard, and the co-ordination of the Civil and Military Casualty Services.

(b) Enemy Plan. This is presumed to include bombing by H.E. and incendiary devices, the use of Gas, Fifth Column activities, and the landing of airborne troops.

(c) British Military Plan. There will be no withdrawal and enemy forces will be attacked and destroyed.

2. MAIN TASKS

(a) To support the Military by the use of every physical and material resource available.

(b) To keep the roads open.

It is agreed that, under invasion conditions, even the saving of life must be regarded as secondary to the performance of duties (a) and (b).

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1. OBJECT OF THE SCHEME

(a) To ensure co-ordinated action by the various civilian interests in the event of Invasion, especially in case the place is cut off from outside assistance.

(b) To secure appropriate co-ordinated action within the community in response to any call from the Military for civil assistance.

2. THE INVASION COMMITTEE

The names, designations, addresses and telephone numbers of members, and of certain others whom it may be necessary to consult or co-opt from time to time, are shown in the Scheme.

3. MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE IN INVASION

At "ACTION STATIONS" all members of the Committee will meet to make a final review of their plans. Thereafter, it will probably be impossible for for full meetings to be held since operational members of the Committee will be fully occupied with the services for which they are individually responsible. Exceptionally, the Committee or part of it, may have to meet to consider questions affecting more than one of the the services concerned with Civil Defence, but they will meet only when there is a particular question or questions to put before them.

4. FUNCTIONS AND POWERS

The Invasion Committee constitutes an important part of the defence arrangements of the country. Before invasion they will make arrangements and provide the necessary contacts between the civil and military authorities; during invasion they will provide a channel for the transmission of orders to particular services and of information between the Civil and Military authorities. At all times it will be their duty to ensure that, when when invasion comes, civil arrangements will function smoothly, that all the necessary assistance is afforded to the Military, and that the Senior Military Representative is saved from the necessity of having to assume executive control of the Civil administration at a time when he will be occupied with Military duties. The position is more fully described in the following paragraphs:

(a) BEFORE COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD ARE CUT, OR HOSTILITIES BREAK OUT IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Measures set out in this Scheme, though arranged by the individual members properly responsible, have been co-ordinated to avoid overlapping and to ensure the fullest mutual support and assistance.

The constituent members have only such powers as they possess in the ordinary way by reason of the posts which they occupy, and they are responsible only to the higher authorities of their own services e.g. the movement of A.R.P. resources is primarily the responsibility of the the Civil Defence Authorities. Neither the Committe as such, nor the Chairman, has any powers to give orders to a member in charge of a Service, but matters requiring co-ordinating action between two or more civilian services can be conveniently dealt with through the Chairman or another member acting for him for this purpose.

Very close co-operation will be necessary in advance, in order to ensure that each member may be aware of the others' duties and powers, so that, once the Civil Headquarters are permanently manned, the member on duty may be able to transmit the requests or instructions of the senior Military Representative to the proper quarter without delay.

(b) AFTER COMMUNICATIONS ARE CUT OFF OR WHEN HOSTILITIES BEGIN IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

The Senior Military Representative has no legal power to issue orders to the Civil authorities or to the Civil population until the invasion has begun. Even then he will assume executive control over the civil poulation only when he considers this action is essential - (a) to secure measures necessary for the defence, or (b) owing to the failure of the Civil authorities to carry on the administration and to maintain the morale of the population. The principles to be observed are that the control of the Civil population must be be left in the hands of the Civil authorities as long as possible; if, exceptionally, control has been exercised by the Senior Military Representative, it must be returned to the Civil authorities as soon as this can safely be done; and when the Senior Military Representative exercises control, he will issue orders as far as possible through Civil authorities. In such circumstances, the Senior Military Representative will give his directions, in so far as they affect civilian defence services and the civil community, through the Invasion Committee. It is essential that the Civil Headquarters of the Committee should be continuously manned by a responsible official, capable of ensuring that military information and military requests are promptly transmitted to the appropriate member of the Committee, and that the Military are kept fully informed of the Civil position.

5. THE MAIN DUTIES OF THE COMMITTEE

(a) PHASE A. IN THE EVENT OF A LARGE SCALE BOMBING ATTACK UNDER IMMEDIATE THREAT OF INVASION.

Direct responsibility will fall upon Police, A.R.P. and other Services in accordance with the current orders of their respective authorities. If the bombing attacks are widespread, assistance from the above Services may be inadequate. Assistance will then have to be improvised or sought from from other sources by the Committee. It may also be necessary for them to send improvised help to neighbouring places.

(b) PHASE B. WHEN THE INVASION HAS BEGUN BUT THE ENEMY IS SOME DISTANCE AWAY.

Normal supply arrangements and communications may break down. In such circumstances the community will have to rely upon its own resources. The position may be complicated on account of roads being being occupied by military convoys. Responsibility for improvising food supplies will fall upon the Food Officer, who has authority to requisition food if this becomes necessary. The Committee will support him through the Services controlled by individual members, e.g. routing of vehicles bringing in supplies from the neighbourhood, improvisation of extra transport, guarding of food stores, etc.

(c) PHASE C. WHEN THE BATTLE IS TAKING PLACE LOCALLY, OR IS IMMINENT.

The Military will be fully occupied. The Committee will arrange for administrative duties, e.g. cooking and distribution of food (other than official army rations) to the Home Guard, disposal of civil and military casualties and provision of bicycle messengers.

(d) PHASE D. WHEN THE ENEMY IS IN TEMPORARY OCCUPATION OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.

As long as there is any armed resistance, The Invasion Committee will assist it, as in (c) above. Thereafter its principle duty will be to help and guide the Civil community, and to improvise essential services which have broken down owing to isolation, dislocation and casualties.

6. DEFINITIONS

(a) "STAND TO". A Military warning order indicating that conditions for invasion are favourable. This may be followed by considerable troop movements and the possibility of billeting demands. Billeting accommodation is shown in the Scheme. No special measures are required from the Civil Authorities, or normally from the Home Guard, except that both should make sure that all emergency arrangements are ready to be put into immediate operation.

(b) "COMPLETE READINESS". An itermediate Military warning in Northern Command, which does not require specific action.

(c) "ACTION STATIONS". A Military warning order meaning that invasion is imminent. The Home Guard will be called out and will act in accordance with the instructions already prepared. Civil arrangements for feeding the Home Guard will come into operation.

7. ALARM SIGNALS

NO ALARM WILL BE GIVEN EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY STATED IN THE FOLLOWING:

(a) THE SIREN. National Signal for 'Alert' and 'Raiders Passed'.

(b) The sounding of Warden's Whistles to indicate the fall of incendiary bombs.

(c) CHURCH BELLS. Ringing of Church Bells to give LOCAL warning of of landing, or attempted landing of ENEMY PARACHUTISTS OR OTHER AIRBORNE TROOPS, NUMBERING TEN OR MORE. Church Bells will NOT be used to give warning of seaborne attack.

(d) THE RATTLE. Military Police and Civil Defence (ARP) Gas Alarm. The "Gas Clear" will be given by shouting "Gas Clear" and ringing of hand bells.

8. OFFICIAL NOTICE BOARDS

Official Notice Boards have already been set up and their location is shown in the Scheme.

The Police will post Directions and Notices on these boards from time to time.

9. EMERGENCY LIGHTING

All members of the Invasion Committee will ensure that there is already in existence adequate provision of lamps, oil, candles, torches, batteries and matches for their various services and service depots.

10. INTERCOMMUNICATION.

To facilitate control between Military and Civil Headquarters a Military Representative will, if available, be posted at "ACTION STATIONS" to Civil Headquarters.

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MEDBOURNE INVASION COMMITTEE SCHEME

CIVIL HEADQUARTERS:	c/o Mr. P. L. Tobitt, The Garage, Medbourne,Tel. No. 231 Medbourne Green.
ALTERNATIVE H.Q.:	c/o Mr. A. W. Warner, Stoneleigh, Medbourne, Tel. No. 215 Medbourne Green.
CHAIRMAN:	W. Bodger, "Fairview", Medbourne, Tel. No. 245 Medbourne Green.
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN:	S. A. Barlow, Post Office, and C. Hulland, The Bungalow, Medbourne.

STAFF OFFICERS

Military:	Lt. W. Hull, Senior Military Representative, Headquarters, Kennel House, Kennel Lane, Medbourne.
Police:	A. W. Warner, Special War Reserve, "Stoneleigh", Medbourne, Tel. No. 215 Medbourne Green.
Civil Defence (ARP):	G. L. Barlow, Head Warden, Mount Pleasant, Medbourne.
Fire Service:	Mrs. H. Large, School House.
Casualty Service:	H. Davidson, School Cottages.
Clearance of Traffic Routes:	G. Challoner, Stockerston Road.
Water and Health:	A. Morris, The Stables.
Homeless and Refugees:	Mrs. Clack, The Nook.
Voluntary (WVS) Organisations:	Mrs. T. Tyler, Inglenook.

MILITARY

Lt. W. Hull, Platoon Commander, Home Guard, Headquarters, Kennel House, Kennel Lane, Medbourne.

Strength of Platoon. 1 Officer, 5 N.C.O's, 23 Privates.

Arms. 16 Rifles, 1 Sten Gun, 1 Lewis Machine Gun and 1 Northover.

Messenger will be detailed from the Platoon for communications between the Military and the Invasion Committee.

The cooking and service of food for this Unit will not be required from this Invasion Committee as this service will be performed by the Hallaton Invasion Committee. On arrival however of other Military units in this locality, and on the request of their Military Commander, this Committee will carry out the duties of cooking for the troops, and members of the W.V.S. will carry out these duties.

Billets for Troops. Club Room, Nevill Arms Inn, Miss Ward's Barn and the Village Hall.

These buildings will accommodate upwards of 200 men.

Officers will be billeted in the Nevill Arms and Horse & Trumpet Inns.

POLICE

A. W. Warner, Special War Reserve.
Tel. No. 215, Medbourne Green.
Headquarters, Stoneleigh, Medbourne.

Resources.

Two Special Constables, F. Ward and A. Thompson.

No messenger service.

One Motor Car, owner A. W. Warner, which is being used for Police work when required.

Immobilisation of non-essential vehicles will be enforced and the official notice boards, two in number, brought into use on instructions from the Chief Military Representative at "Stand to" and "Action Stations".

This Service will further carry out any other Police duties ordered by the Military Commander which will include Traffic Control for Military Traffic, roping off bomb craters with co-operation of Wardens, enforcing road restrictions in accordance with Special Police instructions and the pre-arrangement of routes for local essential traffic, e.g. ambulance routes to hospitals and food vehicles to depots.

Notification of action taken under the above to be sent to the Chairman of the Invasion Committee.

CIVIL DEFENCE (ARP)

G. L. Barlow, Head Warden, Tel. No. 231 Medbourne Green.

The Market Harborough Report Centre, Tel; 2278.

Wardens. P. L. Tobbitt, The Garage and C. Kirby, Kennel Lane.

Messengers. A. Stanton and Roy Fawkes.

Warden C. Kirby will call out the Messengers when they are required for duty and they must report to Civil Defence Headquarters as quickly as possible. The mode of travelling with messages will be by bicycle, each messenger being the possessor of one, their chief duty will be to convey messages to the Military Commander, but other messenger work will also be performed between the the repective Services.

The Demolition Squad is under the direct control of the Head Warden. Its depot is in the centre of the village near the Civil Headquarters.
Personnel. H. Snow and T. Tyler.

Fire Guards. 26 in number fully equipped with armlets, steel helmets and 6 stirrup pumps. This Service is under the control of the Head Warden, and they will carry out their duties in accordance with the Head Warden's roster. When required for duty they will be called up by the Wardens. See Appendix "A" for Fire Guard Personnel. On instructions from the Military Commander, the Head Warden will ring the Church bells in the event of an Invasion by Airborne troops, he will also report incidents to the Chairman, and with the assistance of his Wardens will give the recognised signals for air raid and gas warnings, guide rescue parties to their objective and assist the Police in roping off bomb craters and clearance of people from dangerous areas.

On "Action Stations" or earlier as may be advised, slit trenches will be dug in the following localities, and the public, for their own protection, will perform this work in the vicinity of their homes, (gardens or paddocks) clear of building, and of sufficient dimensions to accommodate the occupants of the the houses concerned, as follows: Council Houses Drayton Road - Burnside, Bridgdale and Drayton Road Cottages - The Stables and cottages opposite - The Nevill Arms and houses adjoining and adjacent - Horse & Trumpet Inn and houses on either side - Old House (T. Brooks) - Holly Farm - Dale Farm and Searcy's house - Cottages between Searcy's house and Kennel House - Kennel House - The Manor and Mrs. Usher's - Miss Piercy's - The Rectory - The School House & School Cottages - The Nook - N. Lawson's - Connelly's & Miss Tyrell - Hartwell's - The Council Houses Hallaton Road - The Garage & cottages in rear - Swain's - Warner's the P.O. & houses in yard - G. L. Barlow's - Major's and Farmer's - Pearson's - Miss Ward's - I. Driver's - H. Snow's & Inchley's - Reubin Garfield's - The Bungalow & Rly Cottages - Fairview - Medgate - Brookfield - Stations House & Fawke's - Victoria Cottages - Hulland Bungalow.

FIRE SERVICE

F. Price, Headquarters, Horse and Trumpet Inn.

Firemen. F. Carter, V. Gardner & W. Bellamy.

Equipment. 1 Manual Pump & Hose, 2 lengths hose nozzles two, 1 suction hose, 1 canvas water tank, 20 canvas buckets, 1 axe, 1 extension ladder, 1 rope, 2 small axes, 4 oilskin suits, 5 suit hangers, 3 pairs of gauntlets.

Water Supplies. The brook running through the centre of the village, and lily pond in Rectory garden. The source of the latter is from the high ground at the S.E. of the village via a pipe line. Twenty three houses in the centre of the village are connected also with the same source, but the output, i.e. from taps, would be negligible for fire fighting. In the event of the brook being frozen over, or the lily pond damaged by enemy action, the Fire Service will take its water from alternative supplies, namely the various wells in the village which are listed on Appendix "B" of this scheme.

The Fire Service Commander will appreciate the importance of buildings near and flanking traffic routes, which the enemy would fire with the object of blocking Military traffic.

In dealing with fires, such buildings will have priority and are listed under Appendix "C" of this scheme.

FOOD

Mrs. H. Large, School House.

The emergency rations for this parish is stored in a place of safety, known only to members of this Committee.

The Officer of this Service has received confidential instructions from the Div: Food Officer and will carry same out in conjunction with the Committee at the appropriate time.

Necessary steps will be taken to protect this food store in the event of fire or any other enemy action.

Other emergency food stores are as follows:-

Emergency Slaughter House, A. W. Warner, The Local Butcher.

Live stock in yards as follows:-

Miss Ward's, I. Driver's, H. A. Smith's, R. Blood's & H. Hartley's

Milk Supplies. C. Hulland's & H. A. Smith's

Bakery. The Cooperative Stores.

Food Distribution Shops. S. A. Barlow and the Co-operative Stores.

It is estimated that there is 15 days supply of food for all.

CASUALTY SERVICE

H. Davidson, School Cottages.

Headquarters. 1st Aid Point, Main Street, Centre of Village.

1st Aid Assistants. Mrs. R. Brewin, Mrs. F. Price, Mrs. V. Gardner, Miss C. Lygo, Miss V. Smith, Miss Massey, Mrs. Mee, Miss Gamble, R. Burrows, E. Christian

Stretcher Bearers. Rev. C. M. Price, Mr. Wood, C. Reading, R. Ward

Medical Officer. Dr. B. H. Moore, Hallaton, Tel. 225.

Capacity. 8 Stretchers.

Actual Equipment & Stores. 8 Blankets, 2 Filey Stretchers, (one of latter suitable for ambulance van). One 1st aid box A.R.P. containing bandages, cotton wool, disinfectant, etc.

Each 1st Aid Member carries a small supply of 1st aid material.

This Service will co-ordinate with Military and Civilian Services when required.

Vehicles earmarked for conveyance of Casualties, are as follows:-

Tobitt's bus and two rubber tyred horse-drawn wagons, the property of V. Gardner & H. Hartley.

The public must be asked to keep, and to keep clean, old sheets from which bandages could be made, similarly improvised splints.

It is calculated that approximately 200 casualties could be dealt with in private houses, the School, Church, Mission Hall and Village Hall.

CLEARANCE OF TRAFFIC ROUTES

G. Challoner, Stockerston Road.

The duty of this Service will consist of the clearance of road blocks, filling in bomb craters and any other manual labour becoming necessary as the result of enemy action.

Potential labour, both Male and Female is listed on Appendix "D" of this Scheme. Details as to the precise method of the calling out of emergency labour, and the place of assembly of labour and tools is shown on Appendix "D".

A certain number of Home Guards may be told to assist, and the Military Commander will arrange such assistance if available, both before and after "Action Stations", but this labour will depend upon the dispositions of the Military defence, and the result of communications between the Military Commander and the Chairman of the Invasion Committee.

The Head Warden will report to the Chairman any road blocks, and on receipt of this information a message will be sent to the Military Commander and the emergency service at once requisitioned; at the same time the Head Warden will summon as many Fire Guards as he can muster to assist.

It must be understood that the requisitioning of the emergency Service must emanate from the the Miltary Comander through the Chairman of the Invasion Committee.

WATER AND HEALTH

A. Morris, The Stables.

In the event of a break-down of the pipe water supply connected to the 23 houses in the centre of the village, wells which are are at present little used must be opened up and brought into use. These wells will provide an adequate supply of drinking water, which must be boiled before being used for drinking purposes.

Throughout the village, householders must discontinue the use of lavatory flush tanks and use waste water instead, they must also stop having baths.

At "Action Station" the people must be further advised:-

(a) To fill all baths and receptacles and hold this storage in reserve, as the main supply may cease without notice.

(b) Not to run this storage to waste, and refill while the main supply is availabe, as this may overtax the water undertaking, and prejudice fire-fighting.

(c) Use water sparingly.

HOMELESS AND REFUGEES

Mrs. Clack, The Nook, Hallaton Road.

The Rest Centre is fully equipped and will accommodate 50 persons. It is situated in a disused granary the property of Miss Ward. It is a weather-proof comfortable building near the centre of the village.

In the event of its being brought into use, members of the W.V.S. will asist Mrs. Clack in the management.

The Rest Centre is not intended for a permanent home for Refugees and Homeless. They will be billetted with all possible speed to clear the Centre for the next batch.

The capacity for billeting in the village will be shown on this Scheme shortly.

A. Morris of Water & Health Service, will make the required sanitary arrangements for the Rest Centre and the food Officer will arrange the supply of food for the inmates.

A list of stores and equipment is shown on Appendix "E" of this Scheme.

WOMEN'S VOLUNTARY SERVICE

Mrs. T. Tyler, "Inglenook"

Personnel twelve.

Will perform the following duties:-

Assist in management of the Rest Centre, cook food for any Troops billetted in Miss Ward's building and the Nevill Arms Club Room, and assist any of the other Services as required.

The following have been ear-marked for cooking and preparation of food for the Troops:-

The Rectory Kitchen,
Miss Piercy's Kitchen
and
The Co-op Bakeouse

GENERAL

The Rest Centre list shows, blankets, feeding bottles, parrafin oil & matches & hot water bottles, and will be used in case of emergency.

The Casualty Service has boracic powder and iodine for use if required.

Bed pans and a feeding cup have been ear-marked being the property of the Chairman.

The following motor cars have been ear-marked for requisitioning if needed:-

H. A Smith's	F. Price's
H. Large's	Pederissen's 1 car 1 lorry
Mrs. Hubbard's	Mrs. C. Kirby's

Ladders & Ropes.

H. Orton	3 of 30 rounds each
H. Snow	4 of 30 rounds each	2 ropes
A. Thompson	1 of 30 rounds each
V. Gardner	1 of 30 rounds each	1 rope
H. Hartley	1 of 30 rounds each	2 ropes
H. A. Smith	1 of 30 rounds each

Houses in parish 100 approx.
Population 400 approx.

Church, Mission Hall, Village Hall, School.

Inns. The Nevill Arms, and The Horse and Trumpet.

Farm and other yards which will be used for cattle, which will be removed from the fields where they would be vulnerable to air attack. Estimated number 750.

V. Gardner's	H. A. Smith's
R. Blood's	H. Hartley's
F. Starbuck's	Plowright's

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CIVIL DEFENCE (A.R.P.) APPENDIX "A"

FIRE GUARDS

Mr. Speller W. G. Smith Mrs. Mee Mrs. Pennant Mrs. H. Clarke Miss J. Clarke Mrs. Yorke W. Gupwell Miss W. Major Mrs. Shepherd Mrs. Healey H. Shanton Mr. Sylvester

H.A. Smith N. G. Orton Miss E. Thompson Miss P. Thompson Mrs. Green Miss Searcy J. Carter F. Ward R. Blood S. A. Barlow Mrs. T. Tyler J. Payne Mrs. Clack

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SUPPLEMENTARY WATER SUPPLY FOR FIRE FIGHTING. APPENDIX "B"

Horse and Trumpet Inn	Well in yard
Chapel House	Soft water well
H. Snow, Main St.	Tanks, soft water Tanks, hard water	500 galls 300 galls
W. Hull, Kennel Lane	Large tank in paddock, hill supply controlling 23 houses.
B. Warner, Old Green	Soft water tank	80 galls
Kirby's yard	Soft water wells	3
Gardner, Holly Farm	Soft water tank	30 galls
G. Fawkes, Kennel Lane	Soft water tank Hard water tank	300 galls 100 galls
P. L. Tobbitt, The Garage	One well
C. Hulland, The Bungalow	Tank
S. A. Barlow, Post Office	Tank	300 galls
J. Major, Main Street	Tank	50 galls
H. A. Smith, Dale Farm	Well
I. Driver, Main Street	Well
Mrs. Palin & Patrick, Kennel Lane	Tank	60 galls
J. Payne, The Nook	Well
P. Hartwell, Hartley's Farm	2 wells, one hard and one soft
W. H. Brown, Council House	Tank	250 galls
Roy Driver, Rly Cottages	Tank	150 galls
Miss Ward, Main Street	Well
Mrs. Underwood, Brookfield	Well
H. Orton, Rose Cottage	Tank soft water Well supplies four houses	1000 galls
G. Farmer, Main Street	Well
Drayton Road Council Houses	Well soft water Well hard water
Drayton Road Cottages	Tank Well	300 galls
Plowright, near Nevill Arms	Well 2 large tanks
Mrs. Hubbard, Saddler's Cottage	Tank Well	300 galls
T. Brooks, Old House	Tank	500 galls
T. Tyler, Inglenook	2 wells, one hard and one soft
F. Marlow, Drayton Rd Council Houses	Well
W. Gupwell, Drayton Rd Council Houses	Well
Miss Driver, Drayton Rd Council Houses	Well
Mrs. Perkins, Drayton Rd Council Houses	Well

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APPENDIX "C"

FIRE SERVICE

Buildings flanking traffic routes

Main Street

The Co-operative Stores.
The Village Hall.
Railway Cottages.
H. Orton's Barn.
The Rest Centre.
Miss Ward's House.
The Mission Hall.
The Mission School-room (1st Aid Point).
Mr. Snow's House.
The Post Office & two front cottages.
Three cottages occupied by Searcy, Palin & Patrick.
The Kennel House, occupied by W. Hall.
The Manor, Mrs. Beadon.

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EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR CLEARANCE OF TRAFFIC ROUTES. APPENDIX "D"

Name	Spade	Fork	Shovel	Saw	Axe	Splasher	Bill hook	Sledge hammer	Hand hammer	Iron bar	Pick	Saws (x cut)
G. L. Barlow	1	1	1	3				3	4	3	1
C. Inchley	1		1		2	1	2			1
H. Snow	2		2	2		2		2		3	2	2
H. Davidson	1	1	1	1	1		1			1	1
F. Archer		1	2		1	1	1			1
J. Burrows				1	1					1	1
A. Garfield	2	2				1	1			1
I. Driver		2	2	1	2		1			2	2
G. Manning	1		1	1
W. Hull	2		2	2	1	1	1			2
B. Warner	1		1				1				1
Herlock							1
Humphrey	1	1					1
Townsend	1	1		1	1
J. H. Redhead	1	1	1		1
G. Reading	1	1				1	1
J. Garfield Sen.	1	1			1		1
Mrs. Pickering	1	1
J. Major	1		1	1								1
H. A. Smith		2	1		1	2
A. Searcy	1		1	1	1
C. Driver	1	1		1
J. Wood	1		1	1	1		1
Mrs. Palin	1	1	1
J. Payne	1	1			1
E. Patrick	1	1	1	1	1
P. Hartwell		1	1		1
W. H. Brown	1		2	1								1
V. Gardner	1	3	2	1	1	1				1
J. Grant	1		1	1							1
F. Carter	1		1	1			1				1
C. Kirby	2	1		1	1
G. Fawkes Sen.	2	2			1	1	1			1
H. Sylvester	1	1		1	1		1
P. L. Tobitt
A. W. Warner	2		1	3			1			2	1
C. Hulland	1	1	1	1	1
Roy Driver	1			1	1
Miss Ward	1	1	1
Mrs. Underwood	4	2		1
Miss Orton	1			1	1
H. Orton	1	1		2	1
G. Farmer	2	2	1		1	1	1			1
T. Tyler	1	1	1	1	1
A. Morris	2		1		1		1				1
Joe Garfield	1	1	1	1	1
C. Reading	1	1	1	1
Mrs. F. Marlow	2	1			1						1
W. Gupwell	1	1					1
Mrs. S. Burton	1	1		1							1
Frank Ward	1			1	1
Mrs. Perkins	1	1			2
J. Keech	2	1		1	1		1	1		1
Bob Ward	1	1		1	1
H. Clarke			1	1	1						1
Plowright	1		1	2	2		1			3
Mrs. Hubbard	2	1			1		1
Bert Stanton		1									1
T. S. Brookes	3			1	1	1						1
F. Price	1	2	1	1	1	1	1	1
W. Bodger	2	1		1

POTENTIAL EMERGENCY LABOUR, MEN. APPENDIX "D"

Group I	Group III & IV
G. Fawkes, Kennel Lane	D. Hall, Tractor Driver, Drayton Road Council Houses
C. Driver, Kennel lane	H. Clarke, Drayton Road Cottages
W. Clow, Kennel Lane	C. Speller, Drayton Road Cottages
P. Hartwell, Hartley's Farm	R. Blood, Burnside
H. Archer, near Garage	J, Keech, Drayton Road Council Houses
H. A. Smith, Dale Farm	W. Gupwell, Drayton Road Council Houses
R. Paine, Hallaton Road	C. Reading, Drayton Road Council Houses
J. Payne, The Nook
H. Sylvester, The Green
Jim Burrows, near P.O.
T. S. Brooks, old House
H. Swain, near Garage

Group II
J. P. Harris, Victoria Cottages	G. Reading, The Stables
Geo. Challoner, Victoria Cottages	S. Pedersen, The Stables
G. Fawkes, Stockerston Road	Townsend, Bottrill's House
W. G. Smith, Medgate	Bottrill, Bottrill's House
H. G. Orton, Rly Cottages	J. Redhead, Nevill Arms
	Plowright, near Nevill Arms
	H. Stanton, Bottril's yard

At "Action Stations" the Officer in charge of this service will take steps to collect tools - chiefly picks, bars, spades and shovels - and have same deposited in a secure spot in Hartley's Farmyard near the Church. He will further inform S. Pedersen to have tractor and lorry in readiness to convey the labour and their tools to any road block which may exist.

In the event of emergency labour required, the names starred will call out the labour required as follows:

Group I	H. Swain
Group II	G. Challoner, (Officer in charge of this Service).
Group III	C. Reading for Council Houses and H. Stanton for remainder.

Fall in at Hartley's Farm buildings, secure tools and proceed by lorry to spot directed by Officer in Charge, G. Challoner.

POTENTIAL EMERGENCY LABOUR, WOMEN. APPENDIX "D"

Group I
Mrs. H. Driver, Station House.
Mrs. H. G. Orton, Rly Cottages.
Mrs. Roy Driver, Rly Cottages.	Child to go to Mrs. Healey.
Mrs. W. Bodger, Fairview.	Child to go to Miss Nellie Orton.
Miss Mary Pearson, B'berry Cottage.
Mrs. Morris, c/o, G L. Barlow.	Children c/o, Mrs. Len Barlow.
Miss Swain, near Church.

Group II
Mrs. J. Grant, Hallaton Road.	Child to Mrs. Connolly.
Mrs. Cheetham, Dexter's yard.
Mrs. G. Manning, School Cottages.
Mrs. H. Lawson, Hallaton Road.	Children to Mrs. Connolly.
Mrs. Brown, Hallaton Road.	Children to Mrs. J. Payne.
Mrs. Reynolds, Hallaton Road.
Mrs. D. Hartwell, Farmhouse.
Mrs. Sweeting, near Garage.

Group III
Miss Gilbard, The Manor.
Miss Driver, Kennel Lane.
Mrs. Wood, Kennel Lane.	Children to Mrs. Wood c/o Mrs. Driver.
Miss Kirby, Kennel Lane.
Mrs. Patrick, Kennel Lane.
Miss Searcy, Kennel Lane.
Miss E. Bellamy, Kennel Lane.
Mrs. B. Warner, The Green.	Children to Mrs. Sylvester.
Miss Samson, The Green.
Mrs. Green, Kennel Lane.

Group IV
Mrs. Bottrill, near Nevill Arms.
Miss Plowright, near Nevill Arms.
Mrs. Hubbard, near Nevill Arms.	Child in charge of maid.
Miss Goodman, near Nevill Arms.
Miss E. Thompson, near Nevill Arms.
Miss P. Thompson, near Nevill Arms.
Miss Blood, Burnside.
Miss Morris, The Stables.
Mrs. G. Reading.

Group V
Miss Herbert, Drayton Road Cottages.	Children to Mrs. Joe Ward.
Mrs. Fred Ward, Drayton road Cottages.	Children to Mrs. Joe Ward.
Miss Joan Ward, Drayton Road Council Houses.
Mrs. Webb, Drayton Road Council Houses.
Mrs. E. Driver, Drayton Road Council Houses.
Miss Gupwell, Drayton Road Council Houses.
Mrs. J. Garfield, Drayton Road Council Houses.	Children to Mrs. C. Reading.

In the event of the Women labour being required, the W.V.S., will arrange for them to be called out.

The name of one woman in each group has been starred *, and she will call out the other women in each group being advised by messenger from the W.V.S., and Mrs. T. Tyler the Head of that Service will send out the required notice.

The place of assembly will be Mr. Hartley's farmyard and the means of transport will be by lorry, tractor drawn.

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EQUIPMENT & STORES AT REST CENTRE. APPENDIX "E".

Double Oil Cooker		1	Combs		3
Paraffin Oil	Galls.	2	Toilet Roll		1
Oil Stove		2	H. W. Bottles		10
Paraffin Oil	Galls.	2	Tinned Milk	tins	12
Disinfectant for C. Closets	tins	2	Cocoa	1lb.	1
Soup Bowls		36	Syrup	tins.	2
Trays		2	Rice	lbs.	10
Matches	boxes	1	Sugar	lbs.	6
Tin Opener		1	Soap	slabs	5
Serving Spoons		2	Hurricane lamps		3
Chemical Closets		2	Oil	galls.	1
Kettle		1	Cough Mixture	btls.	1
Jugs		2	Aspirin	btls.	1
Baths		1	Housewife		1
Hand Towels	doz.	1/2	Corned Beef	tins	1
Carvers	pair	1	Tea	lbs.	2
Bread Knife		1
Knives		36
Forks		36
Spoons Dessert		36
Spoons Tea		36
Dinner Plates		36
Dessert		36
Camp Beds		4
Pallets		25
Blankets		75
Babies Bottles	doz.	2
Salt		2
Pepper		3
Teapot		1
Roller Towels		10
Dish Cloths		4
Bowls		2
Dust Bin		1
Chambers		2
Tea Towels	doz.	1
Bisciuts	tin	1
Mugs		36
Pails		2
San Towels	doz	2
Napkins	doz	2
Roller Towels		2
Hand Towels	doz	1

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Medbourne's Home Guard

The most notable information missing from the plan above concerns the Home Guard. Maybe this information was in another document, or was omitted from this document for security reasons. In order to fill this gap the photograph below shows the Home Guard in 1940.

Bill Hillian was subsequently killed in action in Italy.

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Thanks are due to David Tyler, Mrs. J. Snow and Mrs. B. Tompkins for making this information available.