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Exhibition of a rare Home Guard Uniform

The Soldiers of Oxfordshire Trust has put on show a Home Guard uniform last worn in 1944 by 2lt Nelson Painter whilst he served in Henley. The display is in the “Object of the Month” case at The Oxfordshire Museum.

Harry Staff, a volunteer with the Trust’s Research Centre in Woodstock, said, “Home Guard uniforms are rare, and this one is in excellent condition and complete with hob-nailed boots!  Even better, Mr Painter kept many of the papers of his military life, including instructions for a defensive exercise prior to the Invasion of Normandy in 1944, when the Home Guard had an important role in being ready to deal with possible German counter-measures.”

The uniform has badges of rank and regiment, and the display includes 2Lt Painter’s boots, his side hat, belt and holster, his torch, maps that he used and the instructions for the exercise in May 1944.