Caistor is a town on the northern edge of The Wolds.
| Name | Occupation | Posted from | Until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sergeant George William Herring MM and Bar | Ironstone mine storekeeper |
Unknown | June 1942 |
| Private Robert Newton Coulson | Ironstone mine electrical engineer |
Unknown | June 1942 |
| Private Arthur Eames | Government food officer |
Unknown | June 1942 |
| Private Percy Callum Hand | Tractor driver |
Unknown | Unknown |
| Private Norman Herring | Apprentice surveyor at ironstone mine |
Unknown | June 1942 |
| Private John Herbert Mumby | Ironstone mine maintenance fitter |
Unknown | June 1942 |
| Private Victor Neale | Farmer |
Unknown | Unknown |
The Operational Base was built at Hundon Manor near Caistor on land owned by Mr Jackson, the local Dentist. When complete George Herring supervised the camouflage of the structure and the stowing of the ammunition, machine guns and general supplies. George was asked to form and lead the Patrol because of his military experience from WW1.
In June 1942, the Calor gas equipment in the OB failed and George Herring was blown up in a massive explosion. He was rescued by his son Norman who was the only one willing to enter the OB due to the risk of further explosions. George was badly burnt and the Patrol was disbanded.
Caistor Patrol
Edith Barrick (nee Herring) remembered soldiers arriving at her father's house and them training in stripping machine guns and re-assembling them on the kitchen table, while others were practising using field telephones. Sometimes the men would go out on exercise with blackened faces, (other Patrols were known to use burnt cork) learning how to move silently and how to dispose of any enemies who got in the way.
She recalled they mainly trained with a regular Army unit (Scout Section).
While waiting for the OB to be built by the Army, kit and equipment were delivered to the Herrings' home, on Brigg Road, under the cover of darkness. Edith Barrick (nee Herring) recalled sticky bombs and Mills grenades. Her father had a Colt .45 and the rest of the Patrol had Smith & Wesson .38. She remembered she was allowed to practise shooting with her Dad's Colt.
Edith Barrick (nee Herring) was shown the OB and recalled a nearby Observational Post. She assumed she would be used to take messages to the Patrol in the event of invasion. Her Dad had told her he was subject to the Official Secrets Act. As she was only 8 years old, this did not apply to her, but her Dad told her not to talk, so she didn’t.
After the OB exploded it appears the Patrol was disbanded. Captain Dudley Parker moved up to be a Group Commander and Percy Hand moved to become Sergeant of Grasby Patrol or form it as a new Patrol. Norman Herring's exemption from service was revoked and he was called up. The other Patrol members were stood down before the nominal roll was compiled so are not officially recorded.
Edith Barrick (nee Herring), Roland Barrick and Elizabeth Barrick
1939 Register