Vernon was widely known in the area for his work as a gamekeeper and farm hand. He worked on contract to the "War Ag" across Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire, hedging, ditching, and hayrick thatching, making his own spars to hold the thatch in place. He was described as a "True Countryman" strong and fit and not suffering fools gladly. He would demonstrate his strength by throwing stones down the road with such force that they could be heard humming and buzzing. He was said to have been a crack shot.
In later working life he was with Marglass of Sherborne making curtains.
He had four children, three sons and one daughter, the second born in 1944.
He appears in a photograph of the Patrol.
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stourton Caundle Patrol | Patrol member | 24 Jun 1940 | 03 Dec 1944 |
Public works contractor
Vernon was almost certainly a member of the regular Home Guard Battalion prior to joining Auxiliary Units, as the joining date listed is before the first Patrols are thought to have been formed in Dorset. He never spoke to his family about his time in the Patrol.
In 2018 his grandson found a small enamel badge among his possessions. After some searching he discovered that he had been a member of Auxiliary Units and contacted CART. The family also had his Home Guard certificate and Defence Medal, but of course these were common to all Home Guards.
TNA ref WO199/3390
Caines family