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A remarkable album of photographs has appeared on eBay. The collection of 300 photographs documents one family's wartime experience, featuring pictures taken just before the war and then throughout the following years. There are quite a number related to Civil Defence, with some images of ARP wardens in bluette overalls and air raid damage. Of particular interest is the photo of the Wardens' Reporting Post in Wandsworth, south London. A reporting post was central to several Sector Posts, and where they sent their reports of incidents within that sector. The Reporting Post, led by a Post Warden, then passed on details to a Report Centre.  Wandsworth Wardens' Reporting Post M112
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A simple leaflet entitled "What To Do About Gas" from early 1941 that outlined the necessity for the general public to have their respirator handy and know how to use it.  "What To Do About Gas" Leaflet from the Ministry of Home Security front  "What To Do About Gas" Leaflet from the Ministry of Home Security rear A nicely detailed ARP badge issued by The Birmingham Co-Operative Society Limited. There is no maker's mark on the reverse, but a number has been stamped. It features the standard half-moon button-hole fitting. The badge features the crown, arm and hammer emblem for the city of Birmingham at the top. On either side of the shield are two figures representing industry and the arts. The motto on the scroll at the base is "FORWARD". The Birmingham Industrial Co-operative Society was established in 1881, and in 1925, it acquired the failing Soho Co-operative Society, subsequently changing its name to the Birmingham Co-operative Society Limited. During the Second World War, over 3000 employees joined the forces. The society also had numerous vehicles requisitioned for use by civil defence. During the bombing of Birmingham, several buildings owned by the society were badly damaged.  Birmingham Co-Operative Society Limited ARP Badge  A Birmingham Co-Operative Society Ltd shop front I'm following up on yesterday's blog about the exhibition outside St. Paul's. Cathedral covering the St. Paul's Watch, with an example of a duty card. The owner certainly had the graveyard shift – 9:30 PM to 6:30 AM. I am indebted to a long-time contributor for the images.
 St. Paul's Watch ARP Duty Card details St. Paul's Cathedral in London has a small outdoor exhibition entitled Saving St Paul’s: The Watch and the Second World War dedicated to members of the St. Paul's Watch. This group of men and women watched over the cathedral, day and night, to deal with any fires caused by incendiary bombs. Read more about the St. Paul's Watch  St. Paul's Watch exhibition outside the cathedral  Saving St Paul’s: The Watch and the Second World War exhibition  Central monument St. Paul's Watch Lapel Badge
The St. Paul's Watch lapel badges issued to members of the St. Paul's Watch are extremely scarce. Original examples have a single year on the rear. The exhibition has a rare photograph of two members of the watch wearing the badge. The description of the badge being issued "After The War" is a little inaccurate as we have photographic evidence of the badges being worn. City of London Area MarkingOne additional photo of a Lady Warden shows the rare City of London area marking being worn on her warden's coat.  City of London area marking |
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