Rights Managed > STEAM Museum of the GWR > The Railway at War > Second World War
Swindon Home Guard manning an anti-aircraft gun platform, c. 1940
Filename: 49.jpg
Size: 2648 x 1991 (700KB)
Date: 31st January 2014
Source: STEAM Museum of the GWR
Unique Reference Number: W1 083 & HWW2-2 077
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from STEAM Museum
Swindon Home Guard manning an anti-aircraft gun platform, c. 1940
Swindon Works was considered a prime target for aircraft strikes during World War II. Here, two members of the Home Guard are manning an anti-aircraft gun platform situated on the roof of uniform supplier, Compton Sons & Webb at the Works. This was one of a number of anti-aircraft platforms that were erected around the site. The Home Guard were well trained to man these types of weapon and could be called away from their normal day jobs should an air raid warning be issued
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 19929953
Swindon Swindon Works World War 2 Anti Aircraft Compton Gun Platform Home Guard
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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.
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