DO you remember any members of Okehampton's own 'Dad's Army'?

This recently discovered photograph, taken in the 1940s, is believed to be of an Okehampton Home Guard detachment and local historians Mike and Hilary Wreford would like to know if Times readers could help put some names to the faces.

Operational from 1940 until 1944, the Home Guard nationwide comprised 1.5-million local volunteers otherwise ineligible for military service, usually owing to age, hence the nickname ‚'Dad's Army' — who acted as a secondary defence force, in case of invasion by the forces of Nazi Germany.

The Home Guard guarded the coastal areas of the United Kingdom and other important places such as airfields, factories and explosives stores.

According to Mike Wreford there were a number of detachments in the Okehampton area drawn from workplaces such as the Meldon Quarry and the West Devon Electricity Supply Company as well as from the town and surrounding villages themselves.

One detachment provided cover to help protect the-then wartime airfield at Folly Gate, another was based at the Drill Hall (now the Conservative Club) at Kempley Road.

One leading member of the local Home Guard was Lieutenant Colonel Derek Brown, a fine artillery officer, who after the war was awarded the Territorial Decoration for his service.

Mike said: 'We have not at this stage been able to put a name to any of these but no doubt readers of the Times will soon come up with these and possibly a story or two!'

If you can help shed any light on the Okehampton's Home Guard picture call Hilary and Mike Wreford on 01837 52932.