I was watching the film where the Local Defence Volunteers (to become the
Home Guard) were forming at Warmington on Sea and Mr Mainwearing was
recruiting the lads.

When questioned about his authority to take charge, he said something to the
effect "Of course I should be the leader, I am the bank manager and
therefore the most respected person in this town"

O how times have changed...

a couple of the funny lines from the film,

Preparing for the German assault, with Wilson holding up an AA route map.
Mainwearing says: Wilson, Wilson, you've got your thumb on Warmington.

Behind the barricade, waiting for the German attack.
Mainwearing says: Wilson, if anything happens to me, you take the gun and if
anything happens to you, pass it on.

made me smile anyway.