Recommended books and articles about ARP and Civil Defence Services
There are a number of excellent books that provide detail on the organisation, running and development of ARP and Civil Defence Services before and during the second world war.
Air Raid Precautions Memorandum No. 17 - Civil Defence Uniforms (1944)
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This official 1944 Department of Home Security booklet provides a wealth of detail about all aspects of Civil Defence uniforms and badges.
Get a copy |
Air Raid Precautions Memorandum No. 17 - Civil Defence Uniforms (1944) |
A Brief History of Civil Defence
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A very good history of the Civil Defence services in the build up and during the second world war.
A Brief History of Civil Defence |
A Brief History of Civil Defence |
"A People's Army - Civil Defence Insignia and Uniforms 1939-1945" Jon Mills
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Provides a very good overview of the organisation, uniforms and insignia of the Civil Defence services during the second world war. Highly recommended reading.
This is sometimes available from the author on eBay. |
"A People's Army - Civil Defence Insignia and Uniforms 1939-1945" Jon Mills |
"Put That Light Out!: Britain's Civil Defence Services at War 1939-1945" by Mike Brown
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An excellent overview of ARP and Civil Defence in the UK during the war. Chapters cover the various services and show how they were organised, trained and worked together at air raid incidents. Excellent photographs and snippets from CD members' stories.
Available on Amazon |
"Put That Light Out!: Britain's Civil Defence Services at War 1939-1945" by Mike Brown |
"More Ways than One of Fighting a War: The Story of a Battle School for Civil Defence and the Creation of Casualties Union" by Eric Claxton
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Eric Claxton was a Highways Engineer for Surrey County Council when war broke out and, specialising in bridges, he initially dealt with that side of CD work. However, he soon moved over into light rescue, and set up the Rescue School at Redhill. The book is a fantastic insight into what the rescue and wardens service were expected to do (for example - if you can fit your tin hat through a hole - you can fit through the hole!).
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"More Ways than One of Fighting a War: The Story of a Battle School for Civil Defence and the Creation of Casualties Union" by Eric Claxton |
"Raiders Overhead: The Record Of A London Warden" by Barbara Nixon" by Barbara Nixon
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Barbara Nixon was an actress before the war and being rather headstrong, made a success of herself as an ARP Warden - becoming the first female Incident Officer (I.O.). The diary is a great insight into the day-to-day roles of the warden and despite being published in 1943, it gives a surprising frank, and at times seemingly controversial view, of the ARP/Civil Defence organisation.
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"Raiders Overhead: The Record Of A London Warden" by Barbara Nixon" by Barbara Nixon |
"ARP and Civil Defence in the Second World War" by Peter Doyle
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An introductory text to the ARP and Civil Defence Services. Although this 64-page booklet does not go into great detail it is a useful starting point for those seeking a general introduction. Has sections on Britain in the Front Line | The ARP Services | The Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) | The National Fire Service (NFS) and Fire Guard | The Police | The Women's Voluntary Service (WVS)
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"ARP and Civil Defence in the Second World War" by Peter Doyle |
"The British Home Front 1939–45" by Martin Brayley
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Osprey's Elite 109 gives a good overview of the various services working on the Home Front during the war. Has dedicated sections for ARP and Civil Defence Services. A bit light on detail and one for the generalist.
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"The British Home Front 1939–45" by Martin Brayley |