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)
This booklet provides a wealth of detail about all aspects of Civil Defence uniforms and badges.
Get a copy
Get a copy
A Brief History of Civil Defence
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
Jon Mills' 'Bible'
"A People's Army - Civil Defence Insignia & Uniforms 1939-1945"
Excellent coverage of the organisation, uniforms and insignia of the Civil Defence services during the second world war. Highly recommended reading.
This is usually available from the author on eBay.
Excellent coverage of the organisation, uniforms and insignia of the Civil Defence services during the second world war. Highly recommended reading.
This is usually available from the author on eBay.
Other recommendations
1) "Put That Light Out!: Britain's Civil Defence Services at War 1939-1945" by Mike Brown
An excellent overview of ARP and Civil Defence in the UK during the war. Chapters cover the various services and show how they worked together at air raid incidents. Excellent photographs and snippets from CD members stories.
Available on Amazon
2) “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
Eric 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 were expected to do (for example - if you can fit your tin hat through a hole - you can fit through a hole!).
3) “Raiders Overhead: a diary of the London Blitz” by Barbara Nixon.
Barbara was an actress before the war and being rather headstrong, made a success of herself as a warden - becoming the first female I.O. The diary is a great insight into the day to day roles of the warden and despite being published in 1943, gives a surprising Frank and at times seemingly controversial view of the organisation. Be warned though there are some bits in this book that are not for the faint hearted (one particular description of a post raid incident left me feeling rather horrified.)
4) The plethora of paperwork issued by HMSO during the war - pick and choose what is appropriate for your re-enactors uniform.
An excellent overview of ARP and Civil Defence in the UK during the war. Chapters cover the various services and show how they worked together at air raid incidents. Excellent photographs and snippets from CD members stories.
Available on Amazon
2) “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
Eric 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 were expected to do (for example - if you can fit your tin hat through a hole - you can fit through a hole!).
3) “Raiders Overhead: a diary of the London Blitz” by Barbara Nixon.
Barbara was an actress before the war and being rather headstrong, made a success of herself as a warden - becoming the first female I.O. The diary is a great insight into the day to day roles of the warden and despite being published in 1943, gives a surprising Frank and at times seemingly controversial view of the organisation. Be warned though there are some bits in this book that are not for the faint hearted (one particular description of a post raid incident left me feeling rather horrified.)
4) The plethora of paperwork issued by HMSO during the war - pick and choose what is appropriate for your re-enactors uniform.