1941: On this Sunday afternoon, Peterborough came under attack. There was no panic though, because Peterborough was being defended by the city's Battalion of the Home Guard. The attack was part of a military exercise, with the 'offensive' forces being members of an infantry battalion attempting to break through the defensive line. The whole exercise was watched over and checked by the Zone Commander of the Guard, his Staff Officer and others while the attackers were overseen by their Commanding Officer. Both sides were recorded as showing great ingenuity - perhaps some skills learned in civilian life? The line of defence was recorded as holding firm, with just some minor breakthroughs, which were then strongly rebuffed. The observing officers congratulated everyone on the keenness shown and on the significant levels of attendance. I suspect everyone secretly had a great afternoon out as well. These would become regular training bouts, as Peterborough made sure that any 'unwanted' visitors would receive a warm welcome. By early October, this training involved three Home Guard battalions attacking Peterborough railway station with attackers and defenders using rifles and tommy guns - all firing blanks - as combatants hid behind garden fences and walls and anything else available! The station remained unscathed. (Gray, David, Peterborough at War 1939-1945, David Gray, 2011)

Taken from The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.