WW2 ARP / Civil Defence Greatcoats & Overcoats
Civil Defence ARP Pattern Number 69, 69A For Men & 70 Greatcoat For Women
Greatcoats (the term overcoat was also used on labels) were issued to Civil Defence personnel - men's were ARP Pattern 69 & 69A (austerity) and women's ARP Pattern 70. It was made from thick dark blue or black Melton wool with a weight of 29 oz and 14 different sizes for men and 20 sizes for women were available.
The cut was similar to the army greatcoat with wide lapels and two rows of four buttons to the front (either ARP or CD metal buttons can be found). The coat could be fastened up to the neck. On the inside of the collar were two small buttons; these allow for the throat tab to be attached, this being held on the inside left of the greatcoat also by two buttons.
Epaulettes on the shoulders were fastened with smaller-sized metal CD or ARP buttons. The rear of the greatcoat featured a stitched cross belt on the men's greatcoat that could not be adjusted; the cross bar was omitted from the female greatcoat. The rear vent had either two exposed metal buttons or two concealed plastic buttons (design was dependent on manufacturer). There were two flapped pockets but no internal pockets.
The cut was similar to the army greatcoat with wide lapels and two rows of four buttons to the front (either ARP or CD metal buttons can be found). The coat could be fastened up to the neck. On the inside of the collar were two small buttons; these allow for the throat tab to be attached, this being held on the inside left of the greatcoat also by two buttons.
Epaulettes on the shoulders were fastened with smaller-sized metal CD or ARP buttons. The rear of the greatcoat featured a stitched cross belt on the men's greatcoat that could not be adjusted; the cross bar was omitted from the female greatcoat. The rear vent had either two exposed metal buttons or two concealed plastic buttons (design was dependent on manufacturer). There were two flapped pockets but no internal pockets.
Group of wardens at stand down in May 1945 wearing greatcoats. Note flag and most wearing the CD badge on their berets.
Most authorities allowed the wearing of shoulder titles and rank insignia to be worn on overcoats and greatcoats (no other insignia was permitted). Whilst junior supervisory rank chevrons are relatively common, I have yet to see any senior rank broad and narrow bars worn on a greatcoat.
See this page for a size guide to ARP greatcoats.
See this page for a size guide to ARP greatcoats.
