The Yorkshire Film Archive collects, preserves, and shows film made in, or about Yorkshire. Our collections are non-fiction, dating from the 1890s to the present day, and providing a rich and visually compelling record of all aspects of lives, cultures, landscape, industries, major events and everyday activities, many of which are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Stand Down Parade of the Home Guard
Marching in typical determined fashion in the pouring rain, through the empty streets of Bradford, these men of the Home Guard exude steeliness, pride and, possibly, relief.
From the collection of:
Overview
On a cold December day in 1944, pouring with rain, the men of the Home Guard, as they march one last time, look as if they are marching off to battle rather than to the local cinema – and wishing that they had trench coats, not greatcoats. Although few have braved the horrible conditions to witness the men formally stand down from their wartime duties, the Mayor of Bradford stands on his platform in salute as they proudly march by.
This is one of many films made by the Halifax Cine Club since their formation in 1938; this one under the direction of Charles Thomas. The formation of the Local Defence Volunteers was announced before the war, on May 14th; re-named the Home Guard in July 1940. The serious training in guerilla warfare had been initiated the month before, unofficially, by ex-Communist Party member Tom Wintringham, bringing to bear his experiences of the Spanish Civil War (CP members weren’t allowed to join the HG). At its peak the HG numbered 1,793,000, although it excluded women, who were restricted to auxiliary services – despite the efforts of Edith Summerskill. Orwell, among others, criticised it as being undemocratic.
Related
Watch for free
Home Front and Home Guard - Wartime Woking Home Front and Home Guard - Wartime Woking
Amateur film 1938 10 mins Silent Location: Woking
Woking gears up for war in this remarkable film about the Home Guard and its contribution to the town.
Watch for free
Sea Fort Sea Fort
Documentary 1940 7 mins
Surrounded by water and manned to defend the coastline, sea forts were remote outposts of Britain’s home front.
Watch for free
Ack-ack Ack-ack
Documentary 1941 9 mins
‘ACK ACK’ is a profile of the soldiers who manned anti-aircraft positions on the home front during the Second World War.
Watch for free
Citizen's Army Citizen's Army
Documentary 1941 10 mins Location: London
Ordinary men from all trades and professions lead double lives to hone their soldiering skills in Britain during the Second World War.
Watch for free
Civilians in Uniform Civilians in Uniform
Amateur film 1946 21 mins Location: Leatherhead
Leatherhead applauds and thanks its Civil Defence Service volunteers for their sterling efforts, in this fascinating film made during the last months of the Second World War.
Watch for free
Clandon Home Guard - drills and stand down Clandon Home Guard - drills and stand down
Amateur film 1942 12 mins Silent Location: Clandon Park
Dad's Army, Clandon-style, are at it again in this fascinating film about life in Surrey's Home Guard.
Watch for free
Calderdale Talking Newspaper Calderdale Talking Newspaper
Documentary 1981 6 mins Location: Halifax
Dedicated volunteers from Halifax provide a talking newspaper service for locals on cassettes, strangely not motivated by money.
Watch for free
Calderdale Calderdale
Factual TV 1987 9 mins Location: Halifax
Halifax’s Calderdale Council inspires real and lasting positive change in the community through infrastructure investment in this film.
Watch for free
The Baker The Baker
Amateur film 1985 9 mins Location: Halifax
An experienced Halifax baker takes us behind the counter and showcases his sweet and savoury secrets in this endearing short film.
Watch for free
Halifax Day by Day Halifax Day by Day
Documentary 1910 2 mins Silent Location: Halifax
One of the most industrious and enterprising towns of northern England takes a break to greet the novelty of the movie camera.
Watch for free
The Halifax Laundry Blues The Halifax Laundry Blues
Documentary 1985 25 mins Location: Halifax
Women workers give voice to their puzzlement, anger and despair as years of hard work cleaning laundry for hospitals is discarded.
Watch for free
See You Tomorrow See You Tomorrow
Industry sponsored film 1965 17 mins Location: Halifax
The lesson here is clear, do the right things in the workplace – wear totectors and Rozalex barrier cream – and all will be well, and if not there is a nurse on hand with a plaster.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Watch for free
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Watch for free
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Watch for free
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
Watch for free
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Watch for free
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.