Lady Wardens' Coat - ARP Pattern Number 42
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While men were issued with the bluette overalls, lady wardens were issued with the ARP Pattern 42 coat. Introduced in 1940, and made of a similar dark blue 'bluette' denim, the coat was double-breasted, mid-calf length with a notched open collar (buttonholes were present but no buttons were added, unlike the drivers' coat) and epaulettes.
It featured two rows of three silver-coloured ARP buttons and was fastened using two buttons plus a waist belt that fastened at the front with two buttons. The belt was stitched to the rear of the coat. The coat had two open patch pockets at the hips and button cuffs. The ARP buttons could be removed so the garment could be washed. On the left side of the coat (when worn) was sewn the red on dark blue ARP embroidered breast badge. Period photos show this badge worn at various heights. The Pattern 42 coat was replaced by the ARP Pattern 71 tunic (and skirt or trousers) in 1941. The most commonly seen headwear worn alongside the Pattern 42 coat was the ARP Pattern 44 felt hat. |
WW2 ARP Pattern 42 Wardens' Coat |
Four examples of the wardens' coat for ladies
