Explore the remarkable, true story of the real 'Dad's Army'—the Home Guard—during wartime Britain. Written by Sinclair McKay, the bestselling historian known for The Secret Life of Bletchley Park, this hardcover volume delves beyond the stereotype of incompetence to reveal a courageous, highly trained, and pioneering defense force.

Key Features & Historical Context

• Chronicles the Home Guard, a voluntary force that reached almost two million members at its height, formed to defend the kingdom against the looming threat of invasion in 1940.
• Features insights into notable participants, including George Orwell, A. A. Milne, and C. S. Lewis, as well as the involvement of women in the Women's Home Defence Force (formed 1941).
• Challenges the perception of humorous incompetence, detailing the serious approach and advanced training received, including lethal guerrilla fighting techniques taught by Spanish Civil War veterans.
• Illustrates how village greens were transformed into training grounds for rifle and mortar practice, night patrols, and manning anti-aircraft guns, all while volunteers maintained their everyday jobs.
• Richly detailed narrative based on original archival research, balancing the seriousness of defense duties with essential good humour and camaraderie.

Specifications

• Author: McKay, Sinclair
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Print Length: 432 pages
• Publication Date: May 21, 2026
• ISBN-10: 024177232X
• ISBN-13: 978-0241772324
• Dimensions: 147 x 39 x 222mm (14.7 x 3.9 x 22.2 cm)
• Weight: 500 g
• Publisher: Viking

This definitive account brings to life the extraordinary true story of the Home Guard, offering deep character studies and fascinating historical sources for students and enthusiasts of British Government and WWII history.