A nice studio portrait of an ARP Senior Warden (two yellow chevrons to sleeve) possibly from the Birmingham area. She is wearing the standard issue ARP Pattern 71 serge jacket but has a private purchase side cap with two ARP chrome buttons to front closure.
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This image is captioned as Mrs Iris Cynthia (no surname) of Kennington in the Lambeth borough of London but I cannot find any further information at this time.. It's very interesting as it is shows for the first time the use of District Wardens rank insignia (two red bars and diamond) on what initially looks like an ambulance drivers' coat. However, the buckle is not correct for that coat. It could be a private purchase wrap-over style item to which she has added insignia to. She has a 'DW' - District Warden - helmet.
Here's wishing you and your families a very happy Christmas and the very best for the year ahead. And a special thank you to everyone that sent me an ARP-related photo or message during the year.
Civil Defence personnel stationed at first aid posts usually had 'FAP' on their helmets. This example (currently on eBay) has a variation with '1st Aid Post'. I've seen shoulder titles with this so having it on a helmet, although rare, is probably to be expected. The two inch black bar denotes a senior leader at the post.
From the same seller as the GWR ARP badge from a few days ago is this fake GWR ARP armband on eBay. Claimed to be original but in reality a fantasy item.
Update: It would now appear that this armband and similar ones for Southern Railways (SR) and London North Eastern Railways (LNER) are being regularly sold on eBay by the same seller (with different accounts) with a rather dubious history in fake items. The originality and provenance of this armbands is now considered to be highly suspect. Given the lack of originals and little or no photographic evidence of armbands like this ever being worn, the old adage of 'buyer beware' comes to mind. |
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