James Jarvis

Jimmy was awarded the Defence Medal at stand down.

He helped train the Patrol in explosives use and the Police in pistol shooting.

Jimmy was a member of the 14th Battalion County Durham Home Guard at Houghton le Spring from the start of the war until he was asked if he fancied something more challenging in Spring 1943 when he was transferred to the Auxiliary Units. His form of enrolment in the Local Defence Volunteers has him joining 7 July 1940 and leaving 31 Dec 1945 with a total service of 5 years and 177 days. Part II Orders of 31 May 1943 have him posted from 14th Battalion Home Guard to Auxiliary Units with effect from 27 May 1943. It is thought he served at Balmoral Castle defending the Royal Family.

He trained the Police in fire arm techniques and was good with explosives which he used to good effect in the mines in County Durham as a Shot Firer.

He had nine children and none of them knew of his Auxiliary Unit activities nor did his wife. She had worked in the Royal Ordnance factory in Birtley making shell casings during WW2.

The photo shows Jimmy Jarvis with Rex the dog. Possibly going to or returning from Auxiliary Units duty having his back pack on and wearing Wellington boots often favoured by the Auxiliary members.

Grandson Paul Jarvis was able to march on Remembrance Day at The Cenotaph, 2015, in memory of his Grandfather.