Civil Defence Ambulance Driver, Attendant & Mobile Unit Uniforms in WW2
|
Many volunteers were called upon to assist with creating a large ambulance force, mobile units and as members of first aid posts.
The volunteers had their driving skills tested and were then allocated to a specific ambulance post that was run 24 hours a day. Late night / early morning shifts were therefore undertaken. They would drive ambulances as well as cars for sitting cases. The work was often dangerous as they would often be out during air raids taking casualties to first aid posts or local hospitals. Roads would be blocked by debris or cordoned off due to UXBs and the drivers would have to know the streets in their area exceptionally well. |
Four ambulance workers wearing the ARP Pattern 43 drivers' coat
|
ARP Pattern 43 Women's Drivers' Coat
The drivers' and attendants' coat was introduced in late October 1939 for women only. The full length, blue coat featured a 'lancer' front with two rows of white metal ARP buttons that fastened to the collar. This design precluded having the standard oval ARP button on the right breast so red ARP badges were sown to each upper collar lapel. In some areas, the local area marking was worn on the sleeve.
Worn with the coat was the dark blue ski cap that featured a rear storm flap to which the owner usually affixed their silver ARP badge to the front.
See this page for information on the red ARP collar insignia.
Worn with the coat was the dark blue ski cap that featured a rear storm flap to which the owner usually affixed their silver ARP badge to the front.
See this page for information on the red ARP collar insignia.
ARP Uniform Pattern 43 Women's Ambulance Drivers' Coat
Gabardine Coat ARP Pattern 81
The Gabardine overcoat was issued to women working as First Aid Post and Party members and Mobile Units. The collar was piped in red grosgrain. The overcoat had a special breast badge in similar gabardine backing with the CD and King's crown motif.
Gabadine Coat ARP Pattern 81
A group wearing the ARP Pattern 81 Gabardine Coat with the specially made gabardine breast badge
London Auxiliary Ambulance Service (LAAS)
At the start of the war the London County Council created the LAAS and issued specific insignia to the drivers. This was replaced from 1941 by the standard CD uniforms and badges. Across London there were 139 auxiliary ambulance stations 'manned' by over 10,000 auxiliaries.
London Auxiliary Ambulance Service (LAAS) Driver
London Auxiliary Ambulance Service (LAAS) Shoulder Title
