WW2 CIVIL DEFENCE UNIFORMS, INSIGNIA & EQUIPMENT
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Civil Defence & ARP Insignia & Badges in WW2


Insignia and cloth badges applied to uniforms worn by Civil Defence services developed throughout the second world war. As requirements dictated, new uniform badges were implemented to designate a person's role and rank within the various services. Badges also displayed length of service, wounds received and first aid training awards. Whilst the more commonly found badges are listed here, there exist unique, often locally produced badges that were created for certain local authorities and borough councils (for example, the epaulette badges unique to Hampshire and Warwickshire).

Regulations stipulated how and where rank and instructor badges were to be worn. The colour of badges from 1941 was to be "old gold" (British Colour Council Shade No. 6). However, period photographs show a huge variance in the location of badges. Service chevrons have been seen on both lower sleeves (regulation was lower right sleeve); although the CD breast badge was available many decided to keep their original red lettered ARP badge (and local authorities were directed to use existing stocks of ARP badges where possible) and on bluette overalls some placed their area markings above their right breast pocket; there's even a photograph of a Bomb Reconnaissance Officer who has cut down an armband to make a permanent lower sleeve badge. 

A key document regarding Civil Defence uniforms and badges in ARP Memo No. 17 from 1944. This booklet contains a vast amount of detail. If you would like a digital PDF copy for £3 please contact me.

Read blog posts about ARP badges and insignia.
Rank Badges ☞
Peter Sprack - a First Aid Party member from the Isle of Wight. Wearing his CD battledress blouse with ARP breast badge, area marking and St John Ambulance award. (image © Gareth Sprack).
Peter Sprack - a First Aid Party member from the Isle of Wight. Wearing his CD battledress blouse with ARP breast badge, area marking and St John Ambulance award. (image © Gareth Sprack).

To submit original rank insignia please send me an email via the contact page.
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  • Uniforms
    • Bluette Overalls
    • ARP Wrapover Overalls
    • Tunic, Slacks & Skirt
    • ARP Wardens' Coat
    • Battledress & Trousers
    • Greatcoats
    • 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
    • ARP Instructors' Badges
    • Incident Officer
    • Bomb Reconnaissance
    • Wound Stripes
    • ARP Whistle & Lanyards
    • Lapel Badges
    • Medals & Ribbons
    • Civil Defence Reserve
    • Miscellaneous ARP
  • Equipment
    • Documentation
    • First Aid
    • Gas Air Raid Warning
    • Hand-Cranked Air Raid Sirens
    • Fire Tackling
    • Anti-Gas Equipment
    • Rescue Equipment
    • Goggles
    • Lamps & Torches
    • Respirators (Gas masks)
    • ARP Penknife
    • ARP Water Bottle
  • Helmets
    • Helmets of the Home Front
  • 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
    • Links
    • About
  • Contact
    • Support
  • Blog