WW2 ARP & Civil Defence Armbands / Armlets
Before the introduction of uniforms, air raid wardens wore their ARP lapel badge, helmet and an armband (also called brassards or 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.
Air Raid Warden Armband Variations
Many of the early armbands for air raid wardens simply featured the letters ARP. Some had Warden added or even the local authority's name. This were usually made printed on coloured or plain cotton material.
ARP Shelter Marshal Armband
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 Armband Variations
The most commonly seen version is the screen printed ARP Pattern 54 dark blue armband featuring the gold coloured King's crown and CIVIL DEFENCE written within an arch (sometimes called the rainbow). This was introduced in July 1940. The armband was initially issued only to members of a local authority's ARP services. By 1944 the armband was could be worn by an member of the Civil Defence services.
The embroidered/woven version of the CD armband are printed versions that have been embroidered by the owner, numerous variations are known to exist.
The embroidered/woven version of the CD armband are printed versions that have been embroidered by the owner, numerous variations are known to exist.
Regional Staff HQ Civil Defence Armbands
A higher quality "old gold" armband was produced for senior CD officers at Group HQs. These were made of a thick yellow wool with the same civil defence rainbow and crown motif.
Messenger Armband
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 WW2 Civil Defence 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.