14/10/1998 Under the Defended Localities system, it became necessary in early 1942 to establish a Keep. According to Barnes (see reference s) this was intended to be a rallying point in the centre of the town and a last ditch defensive position for the Battalion (a keep or keeps would have been established at all Nodal points for last ditch defence). In the event it was decided that a single Keep would be too large and so three were designated; The Drill Hall (used as Battalion HQ) ; the new Police Station in the Mounts; and the Barracks in Barrack Road.
The Keep was manned by members of a new Company, F Company, of the 12th Northamptonshire Battalion HG. The new Company was formed from No 9 Platoon of C Company - HQ was at the Lord Raglan public house.