Photograph of Home Guard training at Lydiard Park, World War II

Members of the Swindon GWR Home Guard training at Lydiard Park during World War II.

In the fist picture they are seen operating a Smith Gun which looked very similar to a real field artillery gun. The gun was a 3-inch, smooth bore howitzer with solid metal wheels which was light enough to be towed behind a civilian car. Some people ridiculed the gun at the time, likening it to a toy gun. Apparently it also had a very poor safety record.

In the second view we see young lads being instructed in how to use a rifle.

The third image appears to be a mapping exercise.

The photograph is one of twenty images taken at Lydiard Park by local photographer, Albert Beaney during World War II.