Kingsclere, Hampshire, 1942, Gareth Martin, Kingsclere Local History Association, YMCA Canteen, 1 million meals, VE Day, £8, D-Day
BREAKING: A newly discovered 82-year-old photograph of a village’s ‘Dad’s Army’ unit is igniting interest in Kingsclere, Hampshire, and its significant wartime contributions during World War II. The original 1942 black and white photo, featuring 33 members of the Kingsclere Home Guard, was uncovered over 500 miles away in Scotland and has prompted the local history group to publish a dedicated account of the village’s role during the conflict.
The photograph was sent to the Kingsclere Local History Association by a relative of one of the men depicted, leading to a deep dive into the history of the Home Guard unit. Gareth Martin, secretary of the association, stated, “A lady in Scotland found a photo. A Home Guard picture… That sent me on a bit of a hunt.”
Mr. Martin’s investigation, which began in February, unveiled a treasure trove of details about the Home Guard unit, as well as the Land Army recruited from various regions, including Southampton, Portsmouth, London, Staffordshire, and Yorkshire. Notably, he discovered that 12 women from the Land Army eventually married local men from Kingsclere.
Following initial findings, the association organized a VE Day exhibition and village walking tours, realizing they had amassed enough material to produce a publication titled Kingsclere in WW2. This comprehensive booklet spans 56 pages and documents the remarkable contributions of the village during the war, including the operations of the Royal Observer Corps, the Naval Ordnance Proofing Range, and the local war memorial.
Among the most remarkable revelations was the local YMCA Canteen’s extraordinary effort, serving over 1 million meals during its six years of operation. The canteen provided 450 meals per day to troops stationed locally and those passing through, particularly during the lead-up to D-Day in June 1944.
“This has kind of been forgotten,” Mr. Martin lamented. “And it shouldn’t be. Kingsclere really played its part.” The publication is available for £8 at Swan Street Stores or can be ordered via email at [email protected], making it accessible to anyone interested in this vital piece of history.
With the release of this booklet, Kingsclere’s wartime legacy is being revived, inviting community members and historians alike to reflect on the village’s significant role during one of history’s most tumultuous times. The emotional connection to the past, triggered by a simple photograph, is a powerful reminder of the community’s resilience and dedication during the war.
Stay tuned for more updates on this captivating story as the Kingsclere Local History Association continues to uncover the village’s hidden history.
Rare WWII ‘Dad’s Army’ Photo Sparks Kingsclere Book Release
