At first we were not able to have our own rifles and uniforms. We had to share them with the section which we relieved on duty, Twice a week we had to xo on night patrol, From ne in *he evening to half past twelve the first night, and on the second night from half past. twelve to half past five in the morning. Luckily. began this work in the most glorious English summer, Seldom were we troubled by rain. The only annoyance was from mosquitoes oF midges, which brought back to mind the joys of campaigning in India, This splendid weather was welcome Decause, at the outset, we had very oer accommodation," "Our guard Foam ws a tool-house in the ground of a bir estate—and dilapidated at that, Ax weeks have gone by measures have been taken to ensure that when winter comes the provision of stouter protection against climatic ils will be secured, cly. flockings to police to twenty-four rumen had enroll-val and by the end of it week oF 0 the "force" was a million strong. to the police the next morn= ing. 'There I found men of. various trades 'In life—over' fifty" most iment, then with the village postman who in his time had served with the British "Army India, and then with a for Hanter from Malaya. Someone remarked that the charge room for that day had been turned. into an uver~ seas club—"without drinks." cannily retorted the presiding police Me spector.
The authorities were more than selistied although not surprised this Instantaneous response, They Wisely did not attempt. to overload the iiew organization with elaborate forms of procedure. "Through the ter~ Clonal force associations, the British Leyion and the ofoes of the Lords-Cieutenant of the counti secre quickly chosen to free and platoon commanders "These men were selected, chidly. bee cause of their local influence and Secondly,, hou) imperatively, cause of their past military. expe tence, physical fitness being well tke into weeou Military rank was not essential. 11
Before long we had acquired our own rifles, which were stored at, the Police station, and our uniforms, Which consisted of battle-dress what) was knows asthe "Denim pattern—in other words it was a Dyattle-dress, not of thick khaki serge Dut of stout rill, Until the Uniforms hind arrived we must have appeared rather quaint. One man, in default of army" boots, wore black Snow-boots of Switzerland, We were mostly provided with tin hats as well Khaki forage caps, ain object of the fore was ter the activities of the paratroops, but it was also to be to prevent stabotaxe and any mischief that could be dane by enemy igenti—mas prefer to call fifth columnist activity. We were given observation posts and beats" for entry-#o. The pointe were chosen after careful survey of the ground bby the higher military authorities.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.