WW2 Civil Defence Uniforms, Insignia, Helmets and Equipment
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WW2 Civil Defence Anti-Gas Equipment


Prior to the outbreak of war in September 1939 the Air Raid Precautions Department at the Ministry of Home Defence prepared the country for the likely use of poison and gas munitions. Of the first seven ARP handbook booklets published, six were dedicated to mitigating against the use of gas munitions (for example, Air Raid Precautions Handbook No. 1 was Personal Protection Against Gas and Handbook No. 4 was Decontamination of Materials). 

The likelihood of gas and poison weapons being dropped by the enemy was thought to be highly likely and local authorities were tasked with building up decontamination teams and seeking Gas Identification officers (usually trained chemists). The decontamination squads were kitted out with full body covering  protective oil skins, gloves and special helmet curtains. They appear to wear standard gum boots.

Gas Identification Officers (GIO) and their assistants were also supplied with the protective anti-gas suit and a number of
testing kits for determining the type of gas/poison munition.
Civil Defence personnel wearing protective suits
Civil Defence personnel wearing protective suits
A member of a First Aid Party wearing the protective anti-gas oil skins
A member of a First Aid Party wearing the protective anti-gas oil skins

WW2 Gas Detector Kit

Gas Identification Officer kit to determine what kind of gas was being emitted from a shell.
WW2 Gas Detector Kit
WW2 Gas Detector Kit
WW2 Gas Detector Kit on belt
WW2 Gas Detector Kit on belt
WW2 Gas Detector Kit contents
WW2 Gas Detector Kit contents
Gas Identification Service during an ARP Exercise in Manchester © Manchester Libraries
Gas Identification Service during an ARP Exercise in Manchester © Manchester Libraries

WW2 Mk. II Mustard Gas Vapour Detector

A simplified MK II gas vapour detector introduced in 1942. This could be utilised by wardens as well as by gas contamination squads.
MK II gas vapour detector introduced in 1942.
MK II gas vapour detector introduced in 1942.
MK II gas vapour detector with carry case.
MK II gas vapour detector with carry case.
MK II gas vapour detector.
MK II gas vapour detector.
MK II gas vapour detector with mustard gas details.
MK II gas vapour detector with mustard gas details.

WW2 Anti-Gas Gloves

Protection for the hands and also covers to protect the gloves when doing heavier work.
Civil Defence anti-gas gloves
Civil Defence anti-gas gloves
Civil Defence anti-gas protective over gloves
Civil Defence anti-gas protective over gloves
Civil Defence anti-gas protective over gloves 2
Civil Defence anti-gas protective over gloves 2

WW2 Mk. II Anti-Gas Eye Shields

Eye shields, anti-gas, Mk II. Issued to protect the eyes from liquid irritant sprayed from enemy aircraft.
WW2 Civil Defence Mk. II Anti-Gas Eye Shields.
WW2 Civil Defence Mk. II Anti-Gas Eye Shields.
WW2 Civil Defence Mk. II Anti-Gas Eye Shields - dated.
WW2 Civil Defence Mk. II Anti-Gas Eye Shields - dated.
WW2 Civil Defence Mk. II Anti-Gas Eye Shields - carry packet.
WW2 Civil Defence Mk. II Anti-Gas Eye Shields - carry packet.

Anti-Gas Eye Shields - Tinted

Similar to the clear version above these anti-gas protection eye shields were tinted for working in bright sun light, The poppers attach at the ends and create quite a good seal around the eyes.
WW2 Civil Defence Anti-Gas Tinted Eye Shields (front).
WW2 Civil Defence Anti-Gas Tinted Eye Shields (front).
WW2 Civil Defence Anti-Gas Tinted Eye Shields (rear).
WW2 Civil Defence Anti-Gas Tinted Eye Shields (rear).
WW2 Civil Defence Anti-Gas Tinted Eye Shields (ready for wear).
WW2 Civil Defence Anti-Gas Tinted Eye Shields (ready for wear).

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Anti-Gas Training Posters ☞
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  • Uniforms
    • Bluette Overalls
    • ARP Wrapover Overalls
    • Tunic, Slacks & Skirt
    • ARP Wardens' Coat
    • Battledress & Trousers
    • Greatcoats
    • Gabardine Coat
    • Waterproof Cape
    • Ambulance Uniforms
    • Nursing Uniforms
    • Women’s Voluntary Services Uniforms
    • Hats, Berets & Caps
    • Footwear & Gaiters
    • ARP & CD Buttons
  • Insignia
    • Rank Badges
    • Breast Badges
    • Beret & Cap Badges
    • Area Markings
    • Shoulder Titles / Flashes
    • War Service Chevrons
    • Armbands / Armlets
    • ARP Instructors' Badges
    • Incident Officer
    • Bomb Reconnaissance
    • Wound Stripes
    • ARP Whistle & Lanyards
    • Lapel Badges
    • Medals & Ribbons
    • Civil Defence Reserve
    • Miscellaneous ARP
  • Helmets
    • Helmets of the Home Front
  • Equipment
    • Documentation
    • First Aid
    • Gas Air Raid Warning
    • Hand-Cranked Air Raid Sirens
    • Fire Tackling
    • Anti-Gas Equipment
    • Anti-Gas Training Posters
    • Rescue Equipment
    • Goggles
    • Lamps & Torches
    • Respirators (Gas masks)
    • ARP Penknife
    • ARP Water Bottle
  • Fire Guard
    • Fire Guard History
  • Resources
    • Books
    • Re-enacting
    • Buyers' Guide
    • ARP Memo 17
    • Civil Defence ARP Pattern Numbers
    • Uniform Sizes
    • Original WW2 Photographs
    • Re-enacting Photos
    • Fake & Reproduction ARP Badges
    • Civil Defence Corps Insignia
    • Air Raid Histories
    • Links
  • Contact
    • About
  • Blog
    • Donate