WW2 Home Front ARP & Civil Defence Helmets and Markings
The sheer number and variety of markings found on home front and Civil Defence helmets during the second world war could easily be a website to itself. The below are the more commonly found insignia and markings on home front helmets.
I am always interested in adding photos of home front helmets to this page - simply send me a mail. Please follow the style of taking a photo, against a white background if possible.
I am always interested in adding photos of home front helmets to this page - simply send me a mail. Please follow the style of taking a photo, against a white background if possible.
Early-WW2 Air Raid Warden (ARP) Helmet Diamond Ranks
Early war ARP Wardens with helmets showing diamond insignia
Initially, for areas outside of London, helmet ranks were denoted by black diamonds (on the front of helmet only). These were later replaced by the London system of black bars.
Three diamonds - Chief Warden
Two diamonds - Divisional or District Warden
One diamond - Head Warden
White helmet - Post Warden
Three diamonds - Chief Warden
Two diamonds - Divisional or District Warden
One diamond - Head Warden
White helmet - Post Warden
Early WW2 ARP Warden helmet markings with diamond ranks.
Air Raid Wardens' Helmet Insignia
The most widely recognised Air Raid Warden's helmet insignia is the two-inch high 'W'. Depending on the air raid warden's rank he would have either a black helmet with white 'W' or a white helmet with black 'W' (plus one or two additional bars to denote seniority within the warden service). However, there are a myriad of helmets from different localities of differing colour (for example, dark green) with a variance of fonts and sizes used for the lettering.
Plain black - Warden
Plain white - Post Wardens (plus deputies) & Rescue, Decontamination and Stretcher Party leaders
White with single black stripe - District/Divisional Wardens (and deputies)
White with double black stripe - Chief Wardens (and deputies), Medical Officers of Health
Some Post Wardens also had 'PW' inscribed on their helmet. Certain Warden/Fire Guards are known to have used 'W/FG'. Given the nature of the Civil Defence Services and how authorities implemented regulations there exists a remarkable wide range of helmet markings.
Plain black - Warden
Plain white - Post Wardens (plus deputies) & Rescue, Decontamination and Stretcher Party leaders
White with single black stripe - District/Divisional Wardens (and deputies)
White with double black stripe - Chief Wardens (and deputies), Medical Officers of Health
Some Post Wardens also had 'PW' inscribed on their helmet. Certain Warden/Fire Guards are known to have used 'W/FG'. Given the nature of the Civil Defence Services and how authorities implemented regulations there exists a remarkable wide range of helmet markings.
Other WW2 Civil Defence Service Helmet Markings
Rescue (plus Light & Heavy) |
R (LR & HR) |
Ambulance |
A |
First Aid Post / First Aid Parties |
FAP |
Decontamination (Gas) |
DC |
Messenger |
M |
Stretcher Party (London) |
SP |
G.I.O. (Gas Identification Officer) |
G.I.O. |
Shelter Warden |
SW |
Shelter Marshal |
SM |
WW2 Report & Control and Medical Officer Helmet Markings
WW2 Civil Defence Repair Services Helmet Markings
Generally all the following helmets were black with lettering in white. The white RP with black band was a Repair Party Leader.
Repair Party / Roads |
RP/R |
Repair Party / Water |
RP/W |
Repair Party / Electricity |
RP/E |
Repair Party / Gas |
RP/G |
Repair Party / Telephones |
RP/T |
Repair Party / Sewage |
RP / S |
Repair Party |
RP (often a white helmet with a black band) |
Private Purchase Home Front Helmets
A number of helmets were produced for purchase by the public.
