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During World War One, Cornwall had its own defence force; the Volunteer Training Corps. With fear of possible invasion by Germany; VTC contingents were formed across the county to help protect exposed and sensitive areas.

"Generally, Cornwall's volunteers were ineligible for frontline service: old soldiers from the Boer War, essential war workers, and members of the clergy. The Corps was the forerunner of the Second World War Home Guard, 'Dad's Army'. At first the men had no uniforms, and sometimes even had to share their out-of-date rifles," explains historian, Pete London.

As tensions rose in Europe and just weeks before war was declared records show the annual camp of No.1 and No.2 Heavy Batteries of Cornwall Royal Garrison Artillery took place in Wales from 4-18 July 1914.

鈥淭he annual camp was held at Trawsfynydd Camp, Merioneth, North Wales. No.1 Heavy Battery was commanded by Major J.A. Cumberledge with sections from Padstow, Charlestown and Par. No.2 Heavy Battery was commanded by Major F.F. Oates with Lieutenant O.R. Caldwell and consisted of sections from Penzance, St Just and St Buryan,鈥� says Major Bob Harrison, who is a Penzance historian.

But these able and, perhaps, ageing volunteers may not have been afforded the respect they deserved.

"The volunteers were issued with a red armband emblazoned with the monarch's initials GR (Georgius Rex) which led to scornful nicknames: 'Grandma's Wrecks', 'God's Rejects', 'Genuine Relics'. But for Cornwall's VTC men, protecting vital resources such as the railway, serving as hospital orderlies and guarding munitions factories was deadly serious work," says Pete London.

From these amateur, pioneering beginnings; today the Ministry of Defence is increasing its reliance on part-time soldiers. D Company, 6th Battalion The Rifles is based at Truro and reservists can be called up to serve alongside regular soldiers in some of the world鈥檚 most hostile conflicts.

Location: Cornwall
Image: Cornwall VTC badge, courtesy of Pete London

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