Some information about who we are and what we do.

 The Ingleton Homeguard platoon is a re-enactors unit portraying a unit of the 1/6th Duke of Wellington's regiment, 147th Brigade, 49th Division, "The Polar Bears",  honouring the men of the area who fought in the 2 world wars.

The Homeguard was originally formed to protect major installations and road and rail links, especially the Ribblehead Viaduct, a main route to Scotland in the war time years.

The WR31 unit included the areas of Settle, Malhamdale and Ingleton, who took it in turns to patrol the fells and roads.

The 147th Brigade had its HQ at Brighouse, and the 1/6th Duke of Wellington's Regiment, encompassed the Skipton, Barnoldswick, Bingley and Keighly areas. From 1940 - 1942, they took part in the Norway campaign, and were garrisoned in Iceland for two years. This earned them the title and divisional insignia of the Polar Bear.

The 49th Division, consisted of 3 Brigades. 146th HQ Doncaster, 147th HQ Brighouse and the 148th HQ Nottingham.

John and Spence drilling at Hornby 2008

The WR31 (West Riding area 31) Home Guard Unit of today is based in Ingleton and takes part in living history displays, 1940's weekends, re-enactments and weekend camps. We are also members of the Military Vehicle Trust (MVT) South Cumbria and North Lancashire group.  We also organize Operation Home Guard in Ingleton. A 1940's Weekend which is on the first month of July. Members include Home Guard, RAF, Naval and civilian Re-enactors. Gracie Lands (1940's singer and DJ) is the chair person. But we also need new younger members to join us. If you would like to join please email us for a information....Just to say, that we also do School display's, charity displays and talk about the Home Guard and WW2.

David, John, Spence and Roy  with John's 1943 Austin K3 Truck at Hornby

Nearly everybody here. Taken at the Ingleton Weekend, 2009.

left to right. Nick, Steve, David, Elaine, John, Spencer

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last updated

19th Aug, 2010