James Kenneth Welch

Known by his middle name Ken he was the son of Sergeant Don Welch and was recruited by his father.

At 16 he was under age so they lied about his date of birth. He worked in a factory during this time. Ken remembers the Patrol referring to themselves as “Churchill's Favourites” but also remembers rumours of them being called the “Suicide Squad”. In the event of invasion, desperate times would have forced the Patrol into some desperate measures. A run down cottage just opposite the path leading to the OB location was home to an elderly couple. Having seen the activity in the area and no doubt the comings and goings of the Auxiliers this couple would have been targeted. The Auxilier charged with this would not have relished his roll. Ken Welch would not reveal who would have carried out this role but was very matter of fact that it would have been necessary.

Post stand down Ken went on to join the Royal Marines, training at Lympstone and Chatham. Post war he felt that the authorities did not know what to do with them. He did however form part of a guard of honour for the funeral of Christian X, the King of Denmark in 1947. He went on to train in London to become a piano tuner/technician, looking after pianos throughout the six counties of the West Country, for Salisbury Cathedral, Romsey Abby, Siegfried Sassoon, Mabel Lucy Atwell and other prominent people. He played piano, accordion and drums.

Lottie, the wife of Sergeant Welch and mother of Ken was unaware of their intended rolls assuming they were in the regular Home Guard.