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An interesting survivor is this ash beam used by Civil Defence rescue, shoring and demolition squads. Probably made of ash it has metal wrapped over the ends and 'A.R.P.' imprinted on the beam. Unstable masonry and brick work could be toppled using the beam.  Wooden ARP Rescue / Demolition Squad prop / lever  ARP lettering on wooden Rescue / Demolition Squad prop / lever
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The vast majority of brass ARP handbells appear to be from just two manufacturers. The initials of 'JB' over '39' and 'G&J' over '1939' are cast or stamped into the brass bell, and very occasionally, 'JB 39' impressed their initials into the wooden handle (see below). To date, the full names for either of these businesses remain unknown to me. If you happen to know either, please let me know. UPDATE: 'JB' may be James Barwell Ltd. of Birmingham. They were makers of engineers' and plumbers' brasswork, plus church, hanging, and handle bells. The trademark "Fiddian" also belonged to them, which is often associated with handbells. 'G&J' may be Gillett & Johnston, a clockmaker and bell foundry based in Croydon.
 "J.B. 39" initials impressed into the handle of a brass ARP handbell A visitor to the site is looking for details of the size and bracket of the reflector fitted to an Emergency Carbide Incident Lamp. If you happen to have one of these lamps, could you use the contact page to email me the dimensions and photos of the bracket? UPDATE: This has now been sorted.  Emergency Carbide Incident Lamp Reflector A number of businesses sold items to the general public with claims that they would help in the event of a fire (caused by incendiary bombs (IBs)). The example below is of a glass 'grenade' whose contents are allegedly designed to affect the spread of a fire. The glass balls below have long since lost their contents. Originally costing two shillings and six pence (just under a fiver in 2025). How useful would items like this be? I'm pretty sure they would be of limited use, but they could also be used as Christmas tree decorations...  Firex Glass Fire Extinguisher Grenade  Firex Glass Fire Extinguisher Grenade Instructions An article from the front page of issue 13 of The Midnight Watch (the Broadsheet of Britain's Fire Guard and Civil Defence Workers). A two-foot-long batten of plywood with two notches cut into it. The hose of a stirrup pump can be lopped through the batten and the hose aimed over, or around, an obstacle to tackle an IB fire. I look forward to seeing this device on the re-enacting scene this summer...  Device for Attacking Hidden Incendiary Bombs  Details of the stirrup pump hose extender |
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