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In early 1940 I was stationed in Scotland, the army was not fully kitted out — our training consisted of learning how to drill, marching and saluting. We spent some time taking part in exercising schemes.
Early one morning (6 am reveille) we assembled and the R.S.M outlined our daily task. We were to assume the part of the repelling home forces against invading troops.
Seeing as we were poorly armed (one rifle twixed 6 men, we had no chance. The other men armed with pitchforks, broom sticks etc). We took our places in a ditch and awaited the attackers.
Suddenly we heard a loud screaming and out of the early mist came a line of fully armed men with fixed bayonets; they were Canadian troops intent on taking no prisoners. We quickly adopted a rearguard position (in other words we scampered)! The score was 1-nil to the Canadians.
Lesson learnt “Never go into a battle unarmed and unprepared”!

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