Use of Gas Air Raid Warning Equipment
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 a number of firms - 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 by the report and control centres in each area. All wardens carried a whistle they could use to alert the public to an air raid. In addition to this there were other items of equipment available.
If chemical or gas bombs had been used, wardens were issued with a rattle (to denote the use of gas) and a bell for the gas all clear signal.
If chemical or gas bombs had been used, wardens were issued with a rattle (to denote the use of gas) and a bell for the gas all clear signal.
ARP Gas Warning Rattles
Wardens were to alert the public of a gas attack using a gas rattle. A simple device and often marked by "B. & E. Ltd" which is thought to be the furniture company of Bluestone & Elvin of Walthamstow in east London.
ARP Gas 'All Clear' Hand Bell
The gas 'All Clear' signal would be rung out by a warden using the hand bell. Many of the bells have 'A.R.P.' stamped into the rim.
