The American Committee for the Defense of British Homes


The American Committee for the Defense of British Homes was an American organization during World War II that donated weapons to British citizens for defense from a possible German invasion after the 1937 Firearms Act.
C. Suydam Cutting was its most ardent spokesman.

Use in Combat

Many of the arms sent over by the committee ended up being used by the UK Home Guard, such as those shown in this picture.

Hession's Rifle

Perhaps the best known example from the era was Major John W. Hession's rifle, a Springfield SN 264631. When it was sent over for use in the war it bore two inscribed nameplates. One contained information about the owner, and the other said: "For obvious reasons the return of this rifle after Germany is defeated would be deeply appreciated".
Hession was a marksman at the 1908 Olympics.