Civil Defence & ARP Insignia & Badges in WW2
Cloth and printed insignia and badges applied to uniforms worn by the 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 (and were regularly ignored). 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 just £3 please contact me.
Read blog posts about ARP badges and insignia.
Regulations stipulated how and where rank and instructor badges were to be worn (and were regularly ignored). 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 just £3 please contact me.
Read blog posts about ARP badges and insignia.
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.
