WW2 Civil Defence & ARP Footwear & Gaiters
Civil Defence Leather Boots & Shoes
No official shoe or boot was included in the ARP Pattern list but within documents held at the National Archives it is clear that army boots were sent to local authorities for issue to civil defence personnel. However, a wide selection of footwear styles can be seen worn by ARP wardens and civil defence personnel in period photos - such as Oxfords, brogues and simple plain leather black work boots.
Where boots were issued, the standard lacing pattern was that boots "...will be laced so that the lace passes horizontally across the boot."
Where boots were issued, the standard lacing pattern was that boots "...will be laced so that the lace passes horizontally across the boot."
WW2 Women's Civil Defence Shoes
Shoes for female members of the Civil Defence Services were also available but in smaller quantities.
Civil Defence Leather Anklets / Gaiters
Leather anklets (gaiters) in various ankle sizes were available from 1941 but are sometimes seen worn in period photos, mainly by rescue personnel.
Civil Defence gaiters were sized 1 to 4, with 1 being small (13 inches) and 4 being extra large (~14.5 inches). Earliest manufacture date stamped on anklets appears to be 1941.
Civil Defence gaiters were sized 1 to 4, with 1 being small (13 inches) and 4 being extra large (~14.5 inches). Earliest manufacture date stamped on anklets appears to be 1941.
Sheffield area First Aid Party and Ambulance crews - FAP members seen wearing leather gaiters.
Civil Defence Wellington Boots (Gumboots)
A large number of Civil Defence personnel can be seen wearing Wellington Boots (also know as gumboots). There were officially made rubber boots that featured the War Department stamp.
