In 1940, the hurriedly recruited Home Guard was manning road blocks for identity
checks all over the south of England. Since they had only arm-bands and shotguns,
they did not look very military.
One of my father's platoons was manning a road block, characteristically close
to the local pub. About 22:30, a very drunk farm labourer cycled towards them,
falling off his bike every few yards.
"Ere, Bill, you'll 'urt yourself. Lie down, and we'll get you home when
we go off duty"
So Bill fell down, and a pal straightened him out and put a spare ground sheet
over him, as it was raining.
Shortly afterwards, up drives a staff car, complete with general in service
dress. He is stopped and the corporal insists on seeing out his Identity Card.
"You men don't know the first thing about soldiering - I could have driven
straight through", said the general
"Ar," said the corporal, pointing at the groundsheet, with two feet
sticking out "That's what 'e thought!"
General goes white, and drives off very carefully.
submited by Hugh David