An armband for a member of a Rescue & Demolition squad. These squads, mainly comprised of builders and carpenters, would later be reorganised into Rescue Squads and then further divided into Light Rescue and Heavy Rescue teams (the latter here more in line with the shoring and demolition of buildings).
A similar design of armband in blue has been noted for an "Assistant To Controller" (see the bottom of this page).
0 Comments
A diagram of the helmets and insignia worn by Civil Defence personnel in London early in the war. I'm unsure of the source of this and the helmets, esp. the white ones, don't follow the listed ranks for some posts = esp. the thin and wide bars for Post Warden and Deputy Post Warden. Also, I've not come across the sleeve insignia of a Deputy Post Warden designated by the absence of a diamond.
As the Allies advanced across Europe in late 1944, the need for a fully manned Wardens' Service within the Civil Defence Services was waning. Elsewhere, by the end of 1944, the Home Guard would be stood down entirely.
This Certificate of Release from the end of November 1944 details the release of a warden from his duties in in Glamorgan. Mr Cramb had joined the Wardens' Service in January 1943 and I am assuming he was a volunteer and not a paid warden. The reason for the release is stated as "Reduction in Authorised Establishment". Interestingly, it was sent by the Chief Constable in Cardiff. The entirety of the Civil Defence Services would be stood down in May of 1945. Until very recently I thought there was but one style of ARP whistle made by Hudson's of Birmingham. The chaps on Facebook's Whistle and Call Collecting group have put me straight.
Hudson's, it appears, made four variations. Two are quite commonly seen (see the photo of the pair below) and differ in size, mainly around the mouthpiece. A third variation uses the body of a Metropolitan whistle without the stepped ring at the end but marked ARP. Lastly, and this one is apparently extremely rare, is an ARP-marked whistle that uses the body of a Scout whistle with pillar top. This rare tin of white enamel paint recently sold on eBay for £113 (incl. shipping). Made by Halford Cycle Co. Ltd. the label states it is the regulation colour for mudguards on bicycles and bumpers on vehicles. More than likely simply standard white enamel paint rebadged for sale in light of the blackout restrictions that came into force at the start of the second world war.
|
Please support this website's running costs and keep it advert free
Categories
All
Archives
May 2024
|