AN incident in the life of the Home Guard at Leigh Sinton is recalled in a handwritten report by Major W J C Kendall, dated November 4, 1944.

It was brought in by Sheila Edmonds of Colwall, Major Kendall's niece.

Entitled A Road Block Proves Itself, it recounts how No. 10 Platoon Home Guard took part in an exercise with the Free French Forces at Leigh Sinton.

The soldiers erected the road block "with strong words and sweat" and retired to their defensive positions to await the battle.

"Some short time elapsed when armoured forces were reported approaching the village from the direction of Hereford. Not a man could be seen, except the local policeman outside his house . . .

"The leading AFV (an armoured car), treating the obstacle with contempt, continued on its way at a fair speed to brush the block aside."

But the "innocent-looking 40-gallon drums" were full of concrete and the AFV bounced off one and crashed into a wall

"Instead of a volley of murderous fire being directed on to the unfortunate vehicle, the crew were subjected to curses, ribald jests and riotous laughter from the HG, supported by the local PC."

Two officers following the armoured car attempted a quick getaway, but only succeeded in crashing into a telegraph pole, blocking the road.

"It was felt this was the time for action and the platoon quickly brought their weapons, imaginary and otherwise, to bear, with great effect (according to the umpire).

"But like in all exercises, men prefer not to die, and one Home Guard (clouted) a Frenchman on the head with a large clod of earth with the words 'Now will you die, you b------?'

"The platoon claimed another victory to its list," concluded the major.