|
As the Allies advanced across Europe in late 1944, the need for a fully manned Wardens' Service within the Civil Defence Services was waning. Elsewhere, by the end of 1944, the Home Guard would be stood down entirely. This Certificate of Release from the end of November 1944 details the release of a warden from his duties in in Glamorgan. Mr Cramb had joined the Wardens' Service in January 1943 and I am assuming he was a volunteer and not a paid warden. The reason for the release is stated as "Reduction in Authorised Establishment". Interestingly, it was sent by the Chief Constable in Cardiff. The entirety of the Civil Defence Services would be stood down in May of 1945.  Certificate of Release from the Wardens' Service, Glamorgan 1944
0 Comments
Until very recently I thought there was but one style of ARP whistle made by Hudson's of Birmingham. The chaps on Facebook's Whistle and Call Collecting group have put me straight. Hudson's, it appears, made four variations. Two are quite commonly seen (see the photo of the pair below) and differ in size, mainly around the mouthpiece. A third variation uses the body of a Metropolitan whistle without the stepped ring at the end but marked ARP. Lastly, and this one is apparently extremely rare, is an ARP-marked whistle that uses the body of a Scout whistle with pillar top.
This rare tin of white enamel paint recently sold on eBay for £113 (incl. shipping). Made by Halford Cycle Co. Ltd. the label states it is the regulation colour for mudguards on bicycles and bumpers on vehicles. More than likely simply standard white enamel paint rebadged for sale in light of the blackout restrictions that came into force at the start of the second world war.  Halford's ARP White Enamel For Black-Out Conditions The embroidered Messenger badge was recently sold on eBay. The general shape and style is similar to the area markings/titles used by various Civil Defence regions. Not something I had seen before and there were a few comments regarding the authenticity of the badge on forums. My $0.02 was I thought it was original and more than likely issued for use by someone working with the fire services during the war. It was sold along with a red thread oval ARP breast badge but it's uncertain if the badges were originally together.  Red Area Title Style MESSENGER Badge The common Civil Defence rainbow armband introduced in the summer of 1940 appears with a number of additions - for example, Rest Centre, Controller, Surveyor etc. The below example is for the leader of a rescue, shoring and demolition squad. Image courtesy of Steve Taylor  Civil Defence RSD Leader Armband - Rescue, Shoring & Demolition |
Please support this website's running costs and keep it advert free
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
|
|
Copyright © 2018–2025
|
