Did the Home Guard have any effect on the outcome of the Second World War?

Soldiers of the Home Guard undertook a number of essential duties, such as guarding military installations, which released full-time soldiers for active service. They were also good for civilian morale in providing a uniformed presence even in the most remote regions of the country. Had the Germans invaded, the Home Guard would have seen plenty of action in much the same way as their German equivalent — the Volkssturm — did against the invading Allied armies during the closing stages of the war in Europe. As John Milton wrote: “They also serve who only stand and wait”.

Rob Munro Scott

The Home Guard supported the Civil Defence Services as disciplined individuals and as Home Guard units. There are many pictures of men in army uniform, many of whom would have been Home Guard, assisting at bombsites.

Tim Essex-Lopresti, Secretary, Civil Defence Association, Derbyshire

All young men who were eventually to be called up were first called up into the Home Guard (it was compulsory), so that when they were “fully conscripted” at age 18, they were already trained in the basics of drill, weapons handling and the military ethos.

Mark Brightman, London

Why is it necessary to put a question mark at the end of a rhetorical question?

It’s still a question, isn’t it?

Barry Borman, Edgware, Middlesex

Why do some people “jump” as they fall asleep? Is there a name for this phenomenon?

The term is myoclonus, which is a sudden involuntary jerking of a muscle or group of muscles. Simple forms of myoclonus are hiccups and sudden “jumps” while drifting off to sleep. Sleep myoclonus is rarely of any significance but if frequent or severe, investigation (by a neurologist) may be indicated. There are many different types of myoclonus (at least 8) and many possible causes (at least 16) but if it is just an occasional jerk, forget it!