Mervyn was a Colliery Blacksmith at Norton Hill Colliery, which was a reserved occupation. Indeed it was considered such a vital role that Mervyn was prevented from volunteering for the Royal Navy as he wanted. Complaining loudly about this, a colleague suggested that he join his bunch, and he soon found himself in the Auxiliary Unit.
In April 1944 he transferred back to the local 7th (Long Ashton) Battalion Somerset Home Guard.
Mervyn was the last surviving member of the Patrol. He had a banner made for the reunion events held in Somerset which is now on display at the Somerset and Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton, at the old station, in their small museum, along with wartime reminiscences from his wife Barbara.
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midsomer Norton Patrol | Patrol member | 16 Jun 1942 | 21 Apr 1944 |
Colliery blacksmith
He was posted to 7th Somerset Battalion Home Guard 21st April 1944.
The son of Frederick and Rhoda he married Barbara Bridges in 1951. She thought is was making up the story of being in a secret organisation to impress her on their first dates.
