Image Licensing : Swindon Home Guard manning an anti-aircraft gun platform, c. 1940

EDITORS COMMENTS

This print from the STEAM Museum of the GWR takes us back to a crucial moment in history - World War II. Swindon Works, known for its significance as a prime target for enemy aircraft strikes, required strong defense measures. In this image, we see two brave members of the Swindon Home Guard standing tall on an anti-aircraft gun platform situated atop Compton Sons & Webb, a uniform supplier at the Works. These platforms were strategically erected around the site to protect it from potential air raids. The Home Guard soldiers depicted here are diligently manning their post, ready to defend against any aerial threat that may arise. Trained extensively in handling these types of weapons, they possessed both skill and dedication. It is worth noting that these men were not solely soldiers; they had regular day jobs but could be called away at a moment's notice when an air raid warning was issued. Their commitment to protecting their community and workplace shines through this powerful photograph. As we reflect upon this snapshot frozen in time, let us pay tribute to all those who served on the home front during World War II - ordinary individuals turned heroes by extraordinary circumstances. Their unwavering courage and resilience played an integral role in safeguarding places like Swindon Works from harm during one of humanity's darkest periods.