âWW2 Civil Defence Wound Stripes
Introduced in early 1944, a thin 1.5 inch gold on blue wound stripe was introduced for Civil Defence personnel injured in the course of their duties. The designated position (as per ARP Memo 17) was midway between the sleeve seams with the bottom of stripe four inches from the end of the sleeve.
Only one red stripe (for wounds in a previous war) could be worn but multiple gold stripes could be worn for injuries incurred during WW2. Gold were worn forward of the red, separated by half an inch. Eligibility was laid down in H.S. circulars. Wound stripes could be worn on all uniforms except greatcoats and nursing uniforms.
'Personnel who have been wounded while serving in his Majesty's Forces during the present war or injured while serving in the Home Guard or in a Civil Defence organisation in which wound stripes are awarded may wear wound stripes. These are of gold braid, five thirty seconds of an inch wide and one and a half inches long. Stripes denoting wounds sustained while serving in His Majesty's Forces in previous wars may also be worn and are of Red Rayon braid of similar dimensions.'
Only one red stripe (for wounds in a previous war) could be worn but multiple gold stripes could be worn for injuries incurred during WW2. Gold were worn forward of the red, separated by half an inch. Eligibility was laid down in H.S. circulars. Wound stripes could be worn on all uniforms except greatcoats and nursing uniforms.
'Personnel who have been wounded while serving in his Majesty's Forces during the present war or injured while serving in the Home Guard or in a Civil Defence organisation in which wound stripes are awarded may wear wound stripes. These are of gold braid, five thirty seconds of an inch wide and one and a half inches long. Stripes denoting wounds sustained while serving in His Majesty's Forces in previous wars may also be worn and are of Red Rayon braid of similar dimensions.'
A Post Warden with wound stripe on left lower sleeve.
Single Red Wound Stripe
If the recipient has received a wound stripe as a member of the armed forces (for example, during the first world war) and then joined the CD they could wear a single red stripe.
Printed Civil Defence Wound Stripes
The Postal Museum in London has a display of ARP and Civil Defence badges that appears to include printed versions of a red and yellow wound stripe. I have not yet come across any documentary evidence regarding these.
To submit original wound stripe badges please send me an email via the contact page.
