Gas Air Raid Warning Rattle & All Clear Bell
During 1939, a national system for sounding sirens to alert the public of an air raid was implemented. Urban areas had electrically operated sirens manufactured by several firms such as Gent & Co (of Leicester, who spelt the word 'syren'), Service Electric Limited of Stanmore (in Harrow, London) and Carter Ltd. of Nelson, Lancashire.
These sirens were controlled by the Report and Control Centres in each area. All wardens carried a whistle which they could use to alert the public to an impending air raid.
If chemical or gas bombs had been dropped, wardens were issued with a rattle (to denote the use of gas) and a bell for the gas "All clear" signal.
These sirens were controlled by the Report and Control Centres in each area. All wardens carried a whistle which they could use to alert the public to an impending air raid.
If chemical or gas bombs had been dropped, wardens were issued with a rattle (to denote the use of gas) and a bell for the gas "All clear" signal.
"If the gas rattles sound" advice
ARP Gas Warning Rattles
Wardens were to alert the public of a gas attack using a gas rattle. A simple device (made by several different companies, such as "B. & E. Ltd." and "Clements & Sons".
Clements & Sons gas warning rattle
ARP Gas 'All Clear' Handbell
The gas 'All Clear' signal would be rung out by a warden using a handbell. Many of the bells have 'A.R.P.' stamped into the rim.
It appears the vast majority were manufactured by "J.B." and "G & J" in 1939. To date the full name of either of these companies hasn't been determined. Most have the initials cast into the bell's brass but a small few for "J.B." over "1939" have this impressed on the wooden handle.
It appears the vast majority were manufactured by "J.B." and "G & J" in 1939. To date the full name of either of these companies hasn't been determined. Most have the initials cast into the bell's brass but a small few for "J.B." over "1939" have this impressed on the wooden handle.
ARP gas 'All Clear' hand bell
Maker's mark and date on an ARP handbell
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ARP letters cast into an ARP handbell
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