The Home Defence Executive (H.D.E.) was formed on 10 May 1940 under General Sir Edmund Ironside, Commander-in-chief Home Forces, to organise the defence of Britain from invasion by the Axis powers See also Home Guard (United Kingdom) Notes and references 1940 establishments in the United Kingdom Civil defence organisations based in the United Kingdom United Kingdom home front during World War II Military history of the United Kingdom during World War II Military units and formations established in 1940