Memories of Leeds's own Dad's Army

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 12th May 2023, 04:45 BST

Updated 10th May 2024, 07:30 BST

Who do you think you are kidding Mr Hitler?

These photos turn back the clock to the 1940s and showcase Leeds Home Guard in training around the city. They are probably the 9th (Leeds) Battalion, West Riding Home Guard, affiliated to the West Yorkshire Regiment whose cap badge they wore. The 9th Leeds Battalion was based around north Leeds and trained at Eccup, Moortown, Adel, Meanwood and Golden Acre Park. The 9th Battalion 'had practically no contact with the enemy' according to the account of its Commanding Officer, Lt Col HK Boyle DSO, written in September 1945. The Home Guard was disbanded in 1944 and a final parade was held through Leeds on December 6, 1944. The images are published courtesy of Leeds Museums Service, whose collection is housed on photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: The Second World War bombing raids which brought death and terror to Leeds LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Memories of Leeds's own Dad's Army. PIC: Leeds Museums Service

1. Leeds Home Guard

Memories of Leeds's own Dad's Army. PIC: Leeds Museums Service Photo: Leeds Museums Service

This photograph, circa 1940, is entitled 'Issue of uniforms at East Moor School, Autumn 1940'. East Moor Approved School for Boys was in Adel. Built in 1857, it became an Approved School in 1933 and finally closed in 1991. Major Oldendorff was Superintendent of East Moor School at this time. Denim overalls were initially issued, then replaced with standard battledress as being issued in this photograph by the end of 1940 due to supply issues.

2. Leeds Home Guard

This photograph, circa 1940, is entitled 'Issue of uniforms at East Moor School, Autumn 1940'. East Moor Approved School for Boys was in Adel. Built in 1857, it became an Approved School in 1933 and finally closed in 1991. Major Oldendorff was Superintendent of East Moor School at this time. Denim overalls were initially issued, then replaced with standard battledress as being issued in this photograph by the end of 1940 due to supply issues. Photo: Leeds Museums Service

They are taking park in firing line machine gun practice. Location uncertain but could have been at Strensall, Eccup or Golden Acre where a lot of training took place and where many of the photos in this series were taken. 'C' Company had a 100 yard range at Eccup, according to the account of Lt Col HK Boyle DSO, written in September 1945.

3. Leeds Home Guard

They are taking park in firing line machine gun practice. Location uncertain but could have been at Strensall, Eccup or Golden Acre where a lot of training took place and where many of the photos in this series were taken. 'C' Company had a 100 yard range at Eccup, according to the account of Lt Col HK Boyle DSO, written in September 1945. Photo: Leeds Museums Service

The Machine Gun detachment during inspection. Possibly at Golden Acre as the Leeds Sub-area School of Tactics taught hundreds of officers and senior NCOs in Golden Acre Park (Yorkshire Post & Leeds Intelligencer 1/11/44). In his account of the 9th Battalion written in September 1945, Commanding Officer Lt Col HK Boyle DSO writes about these weekend schools where Tactics, Weapon Training, Bombing, Intelligence, Gas, Street Fighting, Umpiring, Ammunition, Catering, Hygiene and Civil Defence were taught - 'three very full and concentrated week-ends on top of a full time civilian job, though, proved very gruelling to most of those who undertook this'. The soldiers in macs were possibly American Officers.

4. Leeds Home Guard

The Machine Gun detachment during inspection. Possibly at Golden Acre as the Leeds Sub-area School of Tactics taught hundreds of officers and senior NCOs in Golden Acre Park (Yorkshire Post & Leeds Intelligencer 1/11/44). In his account of the 9th Battalion written in September 1945, Commanding Officer Lt Col HK Boyle DSO writes about these weekend schools where Tactics, Weapon Training, Bombing, Intelligence, Gas, Street Fighting, Umpiring, Ammunition, Catering, Hygiene and Civil Defence were taught - 'three very full and concentrated week-ends on top of a full time civilian job, though, proved very gruelling to most of those who undertook this'. The soldiers in macs were possibly American Officers. Photo: Leeds Museums Service

A black and white photograph of Leeds Home Guard in Training entitled 'Our Demonstration Team' (soldiers in camouflage). This group are equipped with Sten submachine guns, which were issued to the home guard as they became available around 1942. Leeds Sub-area School of Tactics taught hundreds of officers and senior NCOs in Golden Acre Park. (Yorkshire Post & Leeds Intelligencer 1/11/44). In his account of the 9th Battalion written in September 1945, Commanding officer Lt Col HK Boyle DSO writes about these weekend schools where Tactics, Weapon Training, Bombing, Intelligence, Gas, Street Fighting, Umpiring, Ammunition, Catering, Hygiene and Civil Defence were taught - 'Three very full and concentrated week-ends on top of a full time civilian job, though, proved very gruelling to most of those who undertook this'.

5. Leeds Home Guard

A black and white photograph of Leeds Home Guard in Training entitled 'Our Demonstration Team' (soldiers in camouflage). This group are equipped with Sten submachine guns, which were issued to the home guard as they became available around 1942. Leeds Sub-area School of Tactics taught hundreds of officers and senior NCOs in Golden Acre Park. (Yorkshire Post & Leeds Intelligencer 1/11/44). In his account of the 9th Battalion written in September 1945, Commanding officer Lt Col HK Boyle DSO writes about these weekend schools where Tactics, Weapon Training, Bombing, Intelligence, Gas, Street Fighting, Umpiring, Ammunition, Catering, Hygiene and Civil Defence were taught - 'Three very full and concentrated week-ends on top of a full time civilian job, though, proved very gruelling to most of those who undertook this'. Photo: Leeds Museums Service

A black and white photograph of Leeds Home Guard in Training entitled 'Firing of the .300 Rifles at Harewood Park, Sept 1940'. Sniper training Lee Enfield 303 target shooting with telescope. The rifle did not have a telescopic site, so the spotter would use the telescope to locate the target and direct the sniper.

6. Leeds Home Guard

A black and white photograph of Leeds Home Guard in Training entitled 'Firing of the .300 Rifles at Harewood Park, Sept 1940'. Sniper training Lee Enfield 303 target shooting with telescope. The rifle did not have a telescopic site, so the spotter would use the telescope to locate the target and direct the sniper. Photo: Leeds Museums Service

Leeds Home Guard Memories