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A few colour versions of the FIREGUARD shoulder title/flash exist; the common old gold yellow, a white version and a red (as shown below). The gold and white are standard for the Fire Guard Organisation and colour changes were introduced with reorganisation. The need for a red version is still a bit in the dark. To date, I have not seen any documentation about the issue of the red embroidered titles. Although somewhat scarce, so many examples does mean that they were widely distributed. In passing, the post-war Civil Defence Corps had a FIRE GUARD element within the ICDS (Industrial Civil Defence Service). These were yellow with square ends and also had 'FIRE GUARD' (with a distinct space between the two words). Second World War versions of the title have 'FIREGUARD' (with no space) and with rounded ends. If you do happen to know more about this particular shoulder flash, answers can be sent on a postcard to the usual competition address.  WW2 Red FIREGUARD Shoulder Flash
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The book called "The War Over Walthamstow: the Story of Civil Defence 1939-1945" (first published in 1945) includes the below image of Civil Defence insignia. Creeping in on the bottom left is a small badge with '1939'. A few other years are thought to exist and the 1941 example is thought to be one. How many individual years were issued, and where they were worn has yet to be found out. If you happen to have any other badges with years or information about this particular badge, please drop me line. The image also includes a very rare badge, the 'WALTHAMSTOW INCIDENT OFFICER' badge. I've not seen an original in any collection. Image courtesy of Jon Mills.
A memo issued in October 1940 by the Leeds Corps of Air Raid Wardens regarding badges of rank. The use of epaulettes for rank insignia during WW2 is quite rare on either the bluette overalls or battledress/tunics. A few county emblems are known, for example Hampshire and Warwickshire. The below memo covers the use of light blue, red, yellow and green bands on the epaulette to designate rank. Quite a complicated set of insignia and obviously some folk weren't happy with other lesser mortals having the same helmet marking as themselves and so needed additional insignia to smooth their egos... I've not seen any photographic evidence (yet) of these epaulette ranks in use. Document courtesy of Jon Mills.  Leeds Wardens' Service Badges of Rank on Epaulettes A very rare badge issued to Civil Defence personnel in Derbyshire. The shield incorporates the County of Derby scroll with the standard ARP emblem plus a rather poorly rendered coat of arms, which is actually a rose with three stag heads (see below). This is the only example I have seen. Image courtesy of Jon Mills.  County of Derby Civil Defence Breast Badge  Derbyshire coat of arms A small selection of photos of the the tat bazaar feature members of an ambulance depot, most likely drivers and attendants. The photos are good reference images for the ARP Pattern 71 tunic and slacks and the ski cap (appears one cap doesn't have any insignia, a few are using their ARP badges and the officer has the small CD cap badge). Of interest is the lady to the right with the three chevrons and star sleeve insignia. She is also carrying her white helmet with black stripe and 'D.A.O.' letters. I am assuming she is the Deputy Ambulance Officer (or possibly Depot Ambulance Officer).  Ambulance Crew with Deputy/Depot Ambulance Officer |
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