Christmas cards, Ulster Home Guard, c.1944 (LMILC.2008.74-5, given by Lorna Carson)
Initially called Local Defence Volunteers, the Ulster Home Guard was formed in 1940 amid growing fears of a German invasion of Ireland. Many members were too old to join the regular forces, hence the nickname ‘Dad’s Army’.
When the threat of German invasion had passed, the Ulster Home Guard was stood down on 3 December 1944. These handmade Christmas cards recall the happy times people had in one of the Belfast units of the ‘Citizen Army’, and look forward to Victory on the horizon as 1945 dawned.
These cards were on display in our exhibition marking VE Day 80.