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One of the rarest enamel signs (in fact, I've only ever seen this example) is the ARP Gas Detector sign. In the standard colours of red letters on a white background, it was placed close to gas detector boards outside Wardens' Posts. Some period photographs show wooden boards on poles outside ARP Wardens' Posts. The boards had a reactive yellowish-green or brown paint that would change colour to red in the presence of certain gases, specifically mustard gas, which was both an odourless and colourless chemical warfare agent.  "ARP Gas Detector Do Not Touch" Enamel Sign  Gas Detector Board
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I've posted this image before on the blog, but this photo is better quality. The rear of this particular photo says "Mobile Unit at Middlesex Hospital", but previously it was recorded as being taken in the London Bridge area. The photo shows Miss Rushton, a British Red Cross volunteer from Lewisham. It's one of the rare photos showing a woman wearing the men's battledress. Additionally, she has the helmet lamp and battery back. I now believe the badge on the flap of her right pocket (on the left as we view) may be similar to the St John Ambulance Brigade badge recently covered on this blog.  Female Lewisham ARP Member Wearing Battledress  Insignia worn on battledress With the Fire Guard Organisation coming into effect in August 1941, the Ministry of Information produced an exhibition (for the Ministry of Home Security) at Charing Cross Station in central London all about Fire Guards. It ran from mid-November to early December, 1941 and was titled "Fire Guard - an exhibition to help the great army of fire fighters." The exhibition was designed by Peter A. Ray. As with many similar exhibitions, it was text-heavy and included photographs of fire guards and equipment plus propaganda posters. At the front (and seen in the photograph below) were two large wooden firefighters featuring a stirrup pump and buckets, designed by Bruce Angrave.  Fire Guard exhibition poster  Fire Guard exhibition at Charing Cross Station, 1941 Although the badge cannot be seen in detail, I am presuming that this Incident Officer Warden is wearing the oblong old gold on black 'INSTRUCTOR' badge. The gentleman to the left possibly has the CD breast badge issued for wear on gabardine coats on his battledress blouse, something I don't believe I've seen before.  Civil Defence 'Instructor' Sleeve Insignia This staged image of two Fire Guards was issued by the Ministry of Home Security in 1943 and is often reproduced. The rear of the photo states: "Under a new Fire Guard Plan close working arrangements will be established with the N.F.S. The Fire Guard will be made responsible for reporting to the N.F.S. enemy action night fires which get out of control. Pictures show how messages for N.F.S. help are sent by the Fire Guard and the N.F.S. responds. (1) Party Leader gives messages to runner asking for N.F.S. help." The image was the first in a series and was used on publications such as The Midnight Watch broadsheet posters. I've not yet come across larger versions of the other images in the series.  Fire Guard Party Leader gives messages to runner (1943)  The Midnight Watch Number 14 |
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