WW2 Civil Defence Uniforms, Insignia, Helmets and Equipment
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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.

Embroidered Incident Officer Badges - Script Lettering

Embroidered Incident Officer Badges - Script Lettering - on cotton
Embroidered Incident Officer Badges - Script Lettering - on cotton
Embroidered Incident Officer Badges - Script Lettering - on felt backing
Embroidered Incident Officer Badges - Script Lettering - on felt backing

Embroidered Incident Officer Badges

Embroidered Incident Officer Badge on felt backing
Embroidered Incident Officer Badge on felt backing
Embroidered Incident Officer Badge on cotton backing
Embroidered Incident Officer Badge on cotton backing
Embroidered Incident Officer Badge on felt backing (variation)
Embroidered Incident Officer Badge on felt backing (variation)

Printed Incident Officer Badge

Printed Incident Officer Badge
Printed Incident Officer Badge

Incident Officer Helmet Cover & Armband

Incident Officer (IO) 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.

An Incident Officer wearing the blue helmet cover. He has the IO badge on his sleeve and also the first pattern red rank bars
An Incident Officer wearing the blue helmet cover. He has the IO badge on his sleeve and also the first pattern red rank bars
Two ARP Wardens, the gentleman with an Incident Officer (I.O.) badge - London variation - in stylised script
Two ARP Wardens, the gentleman with an Incident Officer (I.O.) badge - London variation - in stylised script
A warden qualified as an IO and BRO
A warden qualified as an IO and BRO

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  • Uniforms
    • Bluette Overalls
    • ARP Wrapover Overalls
    • Tunic, Slacks & Skirt
    • ARP Wardens' Coat
    • Battledress & Trousers
    • Greatcoats
    • Gabardine Coat
    • Waterproof Cape
    • Ambulance Uniforms
    • Nursing Uniforms
    • Women’s Voluntary Services Uniforms
    • Hats, Berets & Caps
    • Footwear & Gaiters
    • ARP & CD Buttons
  • Insignia
    • Rank Badges
    • Breast Badges
    • Beret & Cap Badges
    • Area Markings
    • Shoulder Titles / Flashes
    • War Service Chevrons
    • Armbands / Armlets
    • ARP Instructors' Badges
    • Incident Officer
    • Bomb Reconnaissance
    • Wound Stripes
    • ARP Whistle & Lanyards
    • Lapel Badges
    • Medals & Ribbons
    • Civil Defence Reserve
    • Miscellaneous ARP
  • Helmets
    • Helmets of the Home Front
  • Equipment
    • Documentation
    • First Aid
    • Gas Air Raid Warning
    • Hand-Cranked Air Raid Sirens
    • Fire Tackling
    • Anti-Gas Equipment
    • Anti-Gas Training Posters
    • Rescue Equipment
    • Goggles
    • Lamps & Torches
    • Respirators (Gas masks)
    • ARP Penknife
    • ARP Water Bottle
  • Fire Guard
    • Fire Guard History
  • Resources
    • Books
    • Re-enacting
    • Buyers' Guide
    • ARP Memo 17
    • Civil Defence ARP Pattern Numbers
    • Uniform Sizes
    • Original WW2 Photographs
    • Re-enacting Photos
    • Fake & Reproduction ARP Badges
    • Civil Defence Corps Insignia
    • Air Raid Histories
    • Links
  • Contact
    • About
  • Blog
    • Donate