WW2 ARP & Civil Defence Aluminium Water Bottle / Flask
Water bottles were issued to First Aid Parties and Posts (Stretcher Parties in London) plus Rescue Parties. Made of bare aluminium the flasks are a similar size to the regular army water bottle but without the felt cover. The water bottles have small 'A.R.P.' letters embossed into the top surface and a maker's mark on the bottom (usually HBS Ltd. or R.S.).
Several different types of carrier/cradle have been seen in period photos; one- and two-inch wide canvas cradle versions have been noted. Leather carriers/cradles are also known to have been used (usually in black leather and very similar to the cradles used by the St. John Ambulance Brigade). A few period photographs show the black felt-covered water bottles (issued by the St. John Ambulance Brigade) being used by Civil Defence personnel.
Several different types of carrier/cradle have been seen in period photos; one- and two-inch wide canvas cradle versions have been noted. Leather carriers/cradles are also known to have been used (usually in black leather and very similar to the cradles used by the St. John Ambulance Brigade). A few period photographs show the black felt-covered water bottles (issued by the St. John Ambulance Brigade) being used by Civil Defence personnel.
WW2 aluminium ARP water water bottle and carrier / cradle |
ARP letters embossed on to aluminium water bottle |
ARP bottles worn by Stretcher Party personnel during an exercise
Canvas carrier for ARP water bottle
Below are photos of the two-inch carrier/cradle issued with the ARP water bottle.
Leather carrier / cradle for ARP water bottle
The leather version of the ARP water bottle carrier / cradle - similar to that issued by the St. John Ambulance Brigade.
