WW2 ARP & Civil Defence Aluminium Water Bottle / Flask
Water bottles were issued to First Aid Parties and Posts (Stretcher Parties in London) and also 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 a small 'A.R.P." embossed into the top surface and on the bottom a maker's mark can be found - usually HBS Ltd.
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 a black leather and very similar to the cradles used by the St. John Ambulance Brigade). There are a few period photographs showing the black-felt covered water bottles (issued by the St. John Ambulance Brigade) in use 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 a black leather and very similar to the cradles used by the St. John Ambulance Brigade). There are a few period photographs showing the black-felt covered water bottles (issued by the St. John Ambulance Brigade) in use 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.
