Patrick Munro: The Only MP to Die on Home Guard Duty

Patrick Munro: The Only MP to Die on Home Guard Duty

As you know, we have been learning a little bit about the Home Guard. So today I thought I would tell you about Patrick Munro. He was a politician and a sportsman who served in the Home Guard during the Second World War.

He was born on the 9th of October 1883 in Partick, Glasgow. He went to Leeds Grammar School before studying History at Christ Church, Oxford. While he was at university, he proved to be both academic and athletic. He became especially well known for playing rugby.

He played for Oxford University and later London Scottish. He built a strong reputation in the sport. Between 1905 and 1911, he played thirteen times for Scotland and even captained the national team.

In 1907, Munro joined the Sudan Political Service and later became Governor of both Darfur and Khartoum. He earned honours and recognition including the Order of the Nile. In 1931, he became Conservative MP for Llandaff and Barry.

While he served in Parliament, Munro joined the Home Guard. Sadly, on the 3rd of May 1942 at the age of 58, he collapsed and died during a military exercise at Westminster. He had been taking part in a large simulated German parachute invasion training exercise around the Palace of Westminster. He was acting as a runner and collapsed in the Liberal Whips’ room.

Sadly, he was not the only volunteer to die while on duty. But he was the only MP to die while on Home Guard duty. Over 1,200 Home Guard men lost their lives while serving during the war.