Civil Defence & ARP Caps, Hats & Berets in WW2
Civil Defence and ARP Felt Hat for Women
At the start of the war, female ARP Wardens were initially issued with ARP Pattern 44 Felt Hats. It was permitted to wear the silver ARP lapel badge on these hats. One region, the Midlands, stated the precise location of the ARP badge to be "...worn in the front so that the bottom of the crown is level with the top of the felt band."
Early in the war, the hats featured a red and blue Petersham ribbon; this was later replaced by a gold and blue Petersham ribbon (ARP Pattern 143) when the Civil Defence name change came into force in 1941.
Early in the war, the hats featured a red and blue Petersham ribbon; this was later replaced by a gold and blue Petersham ribbon (ARP Pattern 143) when the Civil Defence name change came into force in 1941.
WW2 ARP Pattern 44 Felt Hat, Badge with Gold/Blue Civil Defence Ribbon |
ARP Pattern 44 Felt Hat with ribbon and ARP badge affixed. |
The felt hat was often worn by first aid post and mobile unit volunteers who had been issued with the gabardine coat.
In the latter years of the war, many adopted the wool beret but there is photographic evidence of some wearing the side cap (some with and some without yellow piping). See below for more details.
In the latter years of the war, many adopted the wool beret but there is photographic evidence of some wearing the side cap (some with and some without yellow piping). See below for more details.
Prior to the summer of 1941 the felt hats had a small ARP label fixed to the instead sweat band. This was later replaced by a CD label.
Pattern 44 felt hat ARP label
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Pattern 44 felt hat CD label
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Civil Defence Wool Berets - ARP Patterns 68 & 68A
ARP wardens wearing the wool beret - note the many different ways of wearing the beret.
For men, it was given that they should wear their helmets but this was impractical. From July 1941 a blue beret of unlined wool with no leather sweat band was authorised.
Though no badge was available for the berets a number of local authorities permitted the wearing of the silver ARP lapel badge on the berets. This became officially recognised in April 1942. Some authorities requested to wear their county emblem.
With the production of metal ARP lapel badges in May 1943, new recruits needed a cap badge. In May 1943 a badge was designed for wear on berets. It was a smaller version of the breast badge - printed it was 1.6 inches across.
An interesting aside to the wearing of berets is the many styles of wear. Period photographs show the berets worn over the right and left ear, worn straight, pushed right back etc. It' possible to get all these various on the same group photo.
Though no badge was available for the berets a number of local authorities permitted the wearing of the silver ARP lapel badge on the berets. This became officially recognised in April 1942. Some authorities requested to wear their county emblem.
With the production of metal ARP lapel badges in May 1943, new recruits needed a cap badge. In May 1943 a badge was designed for wear on berets. It was a smaller version of the breast badge - printed it was 1.6 inches across.
An interesting aside to the wearing of berets is the many styles of wear. Period photographs show the berets worn over the right and left ear, worn straight, pushed right back etc. It' possible to get all these various on the same group photo.
ARP Warden wearing the austerity pattern Civil Defence beret
Civil Defence Side Caps
Civil Defence personnel wearing the side cap with lapel badge.
There is ample photographic evidence of both rank and file as well as senior officers in the Civil Defence services wearing side caps. These side caps were identical in design and manufacture as those issued to army personnel. Lewisham Rescue Squads appear to be wearing all black wool side caps with two chromed buttons.
Side caps do not appear in the official Civil Defence pattern list but were available from commercial manufacturers for private purchase. Some included a yellow piping (probably for senior ranks within the various CD services). The majority of photos show the ARP lapel badge (usually the brooch fitting style) attached to the side cap. Some appear to have ARP buttons to the front, others have unmarked plain chrome buttons.
Side caps do not appear in the official Civil Defence pattern list but were available from commercial manufacturers for private purchase. Some included a yellow piping (probably for senior ranks within the various CD services). The majority of photos show the ARP lapel badge (usually the brooch fitting style) attached to the side cap. Some appear to have ARP buttons to the front, others have unmarked plain chrome buttons.
There are a few photographs showing the side cap without buttons to the front. This photo of a piped (probably yellow) side cap also shows the ARP in a lower position on the side cap.
ARP side cap with the embroidered Civil Defence cap badge |
Piped ARP side cap minus buttons to the front |
ARP Pattern 45 Drivers' Ski Cap
Period photographs show female drivers and ambulance attendants wearing the distinctive ARP Pattern 45 peaked ski cap. The cap was designated as "Woman Ambulance Driver Cap - ARP 45 - Serge Blue Worsted Showerproof (10½ oz.)". The cap was made in very dark blue worsted wool and had a flap that could be unfolded and fastened under the chin with the cotton tapes.
Of all the caps issued to women during the second world war this ski cap appears to be the hardest to find today. A few have appeared at auction and continue to generate a lot of interest from collectors with prices rising.
The ski cap has been seen in period photos sporting the silver/metal ARP badge, the small CD badge often seen on berets and the LAAS (London Auxiliary Ambulance Service) badge.
Of all the caps issued to women during the second world war this ski cap appears to be the hardest to find today. A few have appeared at auction and continue to generate a lot of interest from collectors with prices rising.
The ski cap has been seen in period photos sporting the silver/metal ARP badge, the small CD badge often seen on berets and the LAAS (London Auxiliary Ambulance Service) badge.
ARP Pattern 45 Drivers' Ski Cap
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Peaked cap with ARP badge and wearer also has the WVS Civil Defence badge.
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ARP Pattern 45 Drivers' Peaked Ski Cap worn by ambulance driver or attendant |
ARP Pattern 45 Drivers' Ski Cap with later CD badge |
ARP Pattern 45 Drivers' Ski Cap (front left)
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ARP Pattern 45 Drivers' Ski Cap (front right)
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ARP Pattern 45 Drivers' Ski Cap (rear)
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