NOSTALGIA: First names emerge in hunt for Denmead's Home Guard heroes

In July The News published this photograph of the Hambeldon and Denmead Home Guard because those running Denmead Memorial Hall are trying to name as many of the men and women as possible.

By The Newsroom
Wednesday, 5th September 2018, 7:19 pm
Updated Wednesday, 5th September 2018, 8:32 pm
On July 2 this picture appeared in the News with the owner wishing to know some of the names.
On July 2 this picture appeared in the News with the owner wishing to know some of the names.

Jackie O'Halloran, a trustee of Denmead hall, said: '˜When I saw the photograph I felt it would be lovely if we would be able to individually identify these brave men and display their names alongside the photo in honour of the service they gave to the village during the Second World War.

'I have a few names from the photo which have been provided by Denmead residents, but still have a long way to go to name them all. It would be wonderful if we are able to identify them all before Remembrance Day.' 

Tony May has come up with these names: No 2 Tony May; 14 Ron Barrett; 25 Mr Thompson; 43 Dick Hartridge; 51 Mr Diamond; 52 Bill Anstead; 58 Albert Hall; 59 Harry Ploughman; 61 Alf Withers; 66 Dr Rock; 67 Richard Taylor; 68 Colonel Hall; 69 Albert May; 70 Mr Gast. Number 76, seated in the centre, is Miss Taylor.

The same photograph with the faces numbered.

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The photograph was taken outside Jubilee House in Ashling Gardens, Denmead.

Just liketoday, hospitals in the past were always appealing for money. At one timePortsmouth supported three hospitals, St Marys, the Royal and Priorsdean for infectious diseases which was opposite St Marys in Milton Road. We also had the Portsmouth Eye and Ear Hospital. In this photograph many are dressed as clowns and minstrels and a local bus has been decorated to attract attention to the appeal. Can anyone put a date to it? Picture: Barry Cox