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The British Government also issued a call for volunteers from the civilian population to form a Home Guard to assist in the defense of the British Isles if and when the German Forces attempted an invasion. Large numbers of men from forestry camps immediately volunteered. The military authorities felt that because of potential danger in less defended areas there was a need for a mobile unit to quickly travel to any threatened area on very short notice. Within two weeks over 700 men enlisted. This was the beginning of the 3rd Inverness Newfoundland Battalion Home Guard. This battalion had the distinction of being the only Home Guard unit composed entirely of men from overseas who were serving in Britain on specialized war work. All training, assault courses and field exercises were carried out after working hours, on weekends or on annual or special leave.

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Return of the Forestry Unit
1946
Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe

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Immediately following V.E. day the British Government announced that all duration contracts with the NOFU were terminated due to the cessation of hostilities in Europe. But because of the shortage of timber products, foresters were asked to re-engage on short-term contracts until supplies were adequately re-established. Many of the men renewed their contract for the rest of 1945. An average of 1200 men continued to work in the logging operations and as shipping space became available, some returned to Newfoundland. When the unit was disbanded in July 1946 approximately 1000 men still continued to work. The Newfoundland Overseas Forestry Unit was a major Newfoundland contribution to the overall war effort.