A minor conundrum has cropped up regarding the silver VA A.R.P. badge. There are two companies that use the VA monogram - Vickers-Armstrong (aircraft manufacture) and Vickers-Armstrongs (ship-building). There's a distinct difference between the two as shown from the BAE/Vickers (Aviation Department) Limited website:
Vickers-Armstrong Limited during 1928, Vickers (Aviation Department) Ltd was formed into an official aircraft company under the name Vickers Aviation Limited. This was only temporary however, as months later they became involved in a merger with the heavy engineering (i.e. non-aviation) interests of the Armstrong Whitworth Development Company. A new company emerged as Vickers-Armstrong Ltd, the 's' being removed from the name to differentiate it from Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd, the group's ship building activities in the North of England.
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Over the years, I've seen a few of these armbands featuring white "CD" letters on a black or very dark blue background. It appears these were issued in the Netherlands around the time of the country's liberation from German occupation. Some sources state they were issued by British forces but I cannot currently find a definitive source to corroborate this.
UPDATE: see the follow-up blog on an identical armband. Becoming somewhat scarce these days, the Bomb Reconnaissance sleeve insignia and armband for the Bomb Reconnaissance Officer appeared on eBay. The armband sold for £95 (plus shipping) which was a good price for someone and the sleeve badge reached £125 which was way above my estimate.
A few British dominions issued ARP badges in a design similar to that issued in the UK. Examples are known from Hong Kong, Kenya, Straits Settlements and this one for Malta. The rear looks like it was intended as a cap badge. A scarce item and sure to generate interest on eBay where it is currently up for sale.
Three wardens from the Wirral. The two gentlemen are wearing bluette overalls that do not have the leg pocket. The colour differentiation is most likely due to the the gentleman on the right having had his overalls go through the wash a few times. The lady warden is wearing the Lady Warden's coat.
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