My dads contribution to the making of An Outline Productions Film for UKTV Part of the Home Front series first shown in December 2004
The cast : Sgt Tony Kennedy with Steven Mc Ewan -Terry Arnold, Nick Skaliotis & Jim Johnson
Looking for information about the 'Home Guard' as it really was during World War Two, Outline Productions, the producers of the UKTV History Series 'Home Front' spotted the Battle Abbey Website on the Internet and were inspired by my dads pictures and stories about Battle's local war effort. It was decided to shoot the film in Battle, and nearby locations, using volunteers to reenact as nearly as possible, a few days in the lives of four typical Home Guard recruits of the 1940's - with some help from my dad.
As well as giving advice on some aspects of life in the Home Guard, he (Ivor) also appear in the film, and for his own records, took a series of 'still' pictures some of which are reproduced here for the many visitors to the website, from all over the world, who have often expressed interest in this period of Battle's history.
Location Battle
Volunteers Steven and Nick, wondering what they have let themselves in for, arrive at the
Battle Guides Hut, as film director Richard Watsham lines up one of the cameras.
Taking a well earned coffee break, film researcher Minna Viro chats with Steven while Sergeant Tony Kennedy and Richard check the uniforms for size and condition.
Tony supervises the issue of uniforms
The recruits very first drill parade
Don't worry lads the worst is yet to come !
Location Eastbourne
Expert firearms instruction
Now it's their turn
Not bad scores for beginners
" Sorry lads, can we shoot that again ! "
A 4" group at 50 yards can't be bad !
My thanks to the lads and the film-crew who worked so hard to revive memories of the Home Guard
My thanks to Minna Viro and Richard Watsham, Greg Smith and Stuart Wareing (Camera and Sound)
for allowing Ivor to photograph them during the making of 'Home Guard' for OUTLINE PRODUCTION FILMS
Home Guard
