Home Guard (United Kingdom)

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/home-guard-united-kingdom

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is Home Guard (United Kingdom) known for?Provided a deterrent against invasion and freed regular troops for offensive operations
2. How big is Home Guard (United Kingdom)?Coastal defense, guarding infrastructure, manning artillery and anti-aircraft batteries
3. What is the formation date?May 1940
4. What is the maximum volunteer strength?Approximately 1.5 million men
5. What was the Home Guard and when did it start?The Home Guard was a volunteer group of everyday people who helped defend Britain during WWII. It began in May 1940 after France fell, when Britain needed extra help against a possible German invasion.
6. Who could join the Home Guard?Men who were too young, too old, or had jobs that were important for the war could join. The group included people from all ages, even boys as young as 14 and men in their eighties.

Fifth Columnists: Individuals secretly working within a country to sabotage or aid an invading enemy.
Civil Defence: Measures taken to protect civilians from military attacks or disasters.
Strategic Importance: The value of something in relation to a long-term plan, especially in warfare.