A group of four ARP ambulance drivers wearing the standard issue drivers' coat and peaked cap. One is most certainly wearing the standard ATP silver badge but the others appear to have smaller cap badges, possibly smaller versions of the ARP badge.
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This fake badge recently appeared on eBay. I've come across some documentary information on specific ARP teams attached to the various railway companies during the war but I have not seen any badges in period photos. There was a GWR ARP helmet that appeared sometime ago but the authenticity of it was questioned at the time as well. If you know more about ARP teams working for the railways please let me know, especially any photographic evidence.
Update: the seller of this badge and other items of militaria has a very dubious record in the authenticity of certain items. The majority consensus from collectors is that the provenance of insignia relating to ARP teams on railways is highly dubious. Buyer beware... A most peculiar set of overalls that belonged to a volunteer with the London Auxiliary Ambulance Service (LAAS). I've not seen overalls in this design before and the bespoke badge is most interesting in the way that it can be removed fro the overalls. UPDATE: It would appear that the original seller of this item has a somewhat notorious record of producing fake items. Thought the original boiler suit is vintage the badge and name (seems that have a proclivity for stamping white lettering on post-war boiler suits) have to be taken with a pinch of salt... Members of Lambeth's ARP Civil Defence stand in front of a car that's collecting for the war effort. The chap and young fellow on the left are in the bluette overalls and the chap on the right has the overcoat and beret.
I am indebted to Michael Newbold for the following photo of Kingston Upon Thames ARP first aid personnel taken at Bonner Hill School. The people present are probably all members of the St John Ambulance attached to ARP duties. You can see ARP window notices on the windscreens. There are a smattering of dark armbands present but I cannot clearly identify if these are St John variations (or even the dark green Red Cross ARP armbands). There are a few ARP lapel badges and I think one gentleman appears to be wearing the First World War Silver Wound Badge.
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