The Home Defense Infantry Regiment, or HDIR, was organized in 1940 from the state guards after the National Guard was federalized and called into service in preparation for World War II. In Washington State about 2,500 civilian men were issued a billy club, gas mask, utility belt, and white civil defense helmet, and tasked with protecting and supporting the state in times of civil unrest and natural disasters. In Seattle the HDIR aided the Police Department as an auxiliary unit, performing duties like patrolling the waterfront and bridges, and responding to fires and accidents.
This poster invites West Seattle residents to view the members of the Home Defense Infantry Regiment Company K in a military-style inspection held at the High Point Play Field. The park, located at 6920 34th Ave. S.W. and redeveloped in 1980 as the Walt Hundley Playfield at High Point, was also the site of the company's first official appearance the previous month at the annual West Seattle picnic. The company was led by Captain Wayne Devenney, who held drills on Monday and Wednesday evenings. In mid-May 1943 the HDIR made the decision to disband in favor of the State Guard who was by then sufficiently organized to take over its duties.
Caption information source: "Home Defense Infantry Regiment, Seattle, WA, WWII" by Mark Hough Caption information source: "Co. 'K' HDIR To Be On Picnic Program," The West Seattle Herald, July 23, 1942, p. 5. retrieved at West Seattle Herald online archive at http://wsh.stparchive.com/search.php?newspaperCode=WSH
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
Credit: MOHAI, Home Defense Infantry Regiment Records, 1947.24.33.01
