WW2 ARP & Civil Defence Local Area Marking Badges
First Pattern ARP Area Marking - Red on Black
Local authorities were allowed to obtain from commercial manufacturers area markings to be affixed to uniforms. These would display either the authority's name or where required their initials. These first pattern badges were initially designated to be an oblong bar 3.75" by 1.75", either embroidered or silk screen printed. The lettering was to be red on a dark blue or black background. However, they were also created as ovals as well as arched styles, with or without a border.
The placement of the area badge varies from authority to authority with some below the ARP badge and some above.
The placement of the area badge varies from authority to authority with some below the ARP badge and some above.
Second Pattern ARP Area Marking - Gold on Blue
ARP Warden with Holborn (London) area marking.
Following the introduction of the Civil Defence battledress (CD BD), similar area markings were used but were old gold/yellow on a dark blue material (the backing varies) to match the BD blouses and uniforms. These area markings were placed under the CD badge on the left chest pocket. Arched versions than curved around the bottom of the CD breast badge and oblong varieties were made. Again, some areas used a border whilst others did not.
Additionally, some authorities placed a further badge below the area marking to differentiate between services. These are most commonly found as "R.D." for 'Rural District'.
When worn on serge uniforms the official location was below the CD breast badge.
Additionally, some authorities placed a further badge below the area marking to differentiate between services. These are most commonly found as "R.D." for 'Rural District'.
When worn on serge uniforms the official location was below the CD breast badge.
WW2 Civil Defence Oblong Area Marking Badges
WW2 Civil Defence Arched Area Marking Badges
A high number of arched area location badges without a border were introduced with the Civil Defence Corps at the end of the 1940s. Many of these are claimed to be WW2.
WW2 Civil Defence Area Marking Badges on Battledress Uniform
To submit original area marking badges please send me an email via the contact page.