WW2 ARP Incident Officer (IO) Badges, Armbands & Helmet Covers
Incident Officers (I.O.s) were responsible for managing the various rescue services that arrived at air raid incidents. London adopted the first trained wardens for this purpose in 1939. To distinguish them from other personnel they wore an 'INCIDENT OFFICER' armband and a light blue helmet cover - see below.
A more permanent badge for Incident Officers was introduced in August 1940. The letters I and O in Cambridge blue on a dark background were worn on the lower right sleeve. In London, a badge with a stylised I and O in script lettering was produced. The designated position (as per ARP Memo 17) was midway between the sleeve seams and the bottom edge of the badge was six inches from the end of the sleeve. If the individual also held the the Bomb Reconnaissance Officer badge the IO badge was placed 'forward' and the badges were placed half an inch from each other.
The use of Incident Officers was adopted nationally and wardens as well as serving police officers were trained to organise the services at incidents. A number of printed and embroidered variations exist. The use of script lettering is thought to be mainly found in the London Civil Defence areas but is is also known to have been issued by local authorities on the south coast.
A more permanent badge for Incident Officers was introduced in August 1940. The letters I and O in Cambridge blue on a dark background were worn on the lower right sleeve. In London, a badge with a stylised I and O in script lettering was produced. The designated position (as per ARP Memo 17) was midway between the sleeve seams and the bottom edge of the badge was six inches from the end of the sleeve. If the individual also held the the Bomb Reconnaissance Officer badge the IO badge was placed 'forward' and the badges were placed half an inch from each other.
The use of Incident Officers was adopted nationally and wardens as well as serving police officers were trained to organise the services at incidents. A number of printed and embroidered variations exist. The use of script lettering is thought to be mainly found in the London Civil Defence areas but is is also known to have been issued by local authorities on the south coast.
Embroidered Incident Officer Badges - Script Lettering
Embroidered Incident Officer Badges - Script Lettering - on cotton
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Embroidered Incident Officer Badges - Script Lettering - on felt backing
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Embroidered Incident Officer Badges
Embroidered Incident Officer Badge on felt backing
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Embroidered Incident Officer Badge on cotton backing
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Embroidered Incident Officer Badge on felt backing (variation)
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Printed Incident Officer Badge
Printed Incident Officer Badge
Incident Officer Helmet Cover & Armband
Incident Officer (IO) armband.
A Cambridge blue helmet cover was available that an IO could affix to their helmet appeared in London in early 1940. This quickly allowed other services to find the Incident Officer. The cover could be removed and passed to another IO if necessary. Original examples are exceedingly rare.
Am incident officer armband was also manufactured. Made of light blue material it features the ARP emblem with 'INCIDENT OFFER' below. It was worn on the upper sleeve and held in place by a buckle.
Incidents were also marked by a blue and white checked flag.
Am incident officer armband was also manufactured. Made of light blue material it features the ARP emblem with 'INCIDENT OFFER' below. It was worn on the upper sleeve and held in place by a buckle.
Incidents were also marked by a blue and white checked flag.
