Defence of Houses is one of a series of training books written in 1942 by Colonel G. A. Wade for the newly recruited Home Guard. This reproduction from the Royal Armouries' archive shows how Second World War trainees learnt to defend themselves amidst the threat of enemy invasion. Houses are found in infinite variety. Some are suited for defence, others are absolute death-traps. Think: is it strong? Has it a cellar? Are its surrounding suitable? Is it capable of all-round defence? Make your defences so good and so cunning that when the enemy begins to attack you can heave a sigh of relief and say, 'He's going to ask for it, and he will get it!'

‘It is extraordinary how reluctant the British soldier is to show cunning. We try to play the game of war as if it had rules for fair play like cricket and football.’ ‘If you want to make your spell of duty pass quickly, concentrate on prowling properly.’ ‘By Jove, look! There is a suspicious-looking man creeping under those bushes. It will be heaven help that rough chap if he makes a break!’ First published in the 1940s for the newly-recruited British Home Guard, The Art of Prowling showed recruits how to sneak up on the enemy without being seen, how to avoid attracting attention, and why they should never underestimate a German spy. Will you be awarded the Good Prowler’s Badge?

Do you know that house-to-house fighting is the finest sport on earth? Do you know that is it just the sort of close-quarter scrapping the British excel in? Do you know that once you get going you will love it? Do you want to come with me down our street and play hell with some bloody Huns? You do? Right, we'll carry on! House to House Fighting is one of a series of training books written in 1942 by Colonel G. A. Wade for the newly-recruited Home Guard. This reproduction from the Royal Armouries' archive shows how Second World War trainees learnt to defend themselves amidst the threat of enemy invasion.