WW2 ARP & Civil Defence Armbands
Before the introduction of uniforms, ARP personnel wore their lapel badge, helmet and an armband (or called brassards / armlets).
There are numerous armband variations as different manufacturers created versions for various local authorities. See this page for Fire Guard armbands.
There are numerous armband variations as different manufacturers created versions for various local authorities. See this page for Fire Guard armbands.
ARP Warden Variations
Many of the early armbands simply featured the letters ARP. Some had Warden added or even the local authority. This are usually made of a light coloured cotton with the letters printed on the armband.
ARP Shelter Marshal
There were armbands written with SHELTER MARSHAL for those who organised large capacity air raid shelters.
Shelter Marshal's armband. |
WW2 Shelter Marshal Armband - Yellow on Blue.
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Shelter Marshal (in helmet marked SM) in an air raid shelter, London 1940.
Civil Defence variations
The most commonly seen version is ARP Pattern 54 dark blue armband featuring the gold coloured King's crown and CIVIL DEFENCE written within an arch (sometimes called the rainbow). The embroidered/woven version of the CD armband are probably printed versions that have been embroidered by the owner.
Messenger
ARP Messengers carried air raid incident reports from the wardens to the control centres. Especially important if telephone lines had been interrupted. A very dangerous job often undertaken by teenagers.
Rarer armbands
Below is a small collection of lesser seen armbands.
To submit original area marking badges please send me an email via the contact page.