The Air Raid Precautions (ARP) was set up in the United Kingdom in 1937. Its purpose was to offer a dedicated service of protection for the civilian population against the danger posed by air raids.
Breast badge of the ARP.
It fell to each local council to organise the various sections required to liaise with the regular Police and Fire Brigades; these included the wardens, messengers, ambulance drivers and rescue parties.
ARP silver lapel badge.
The enforcement of the blackout came under the jurisdiction of the ARP wardens from September 1st, 1939 and once the Luftwaffe began their bombing campaign, the ARP was central in dealing with the consequences, as well as ensuring the civilian population was directed to shelters.
ARP issue whistle.
In 1941, the ARP changed its name to The Civil Defence Service as it better conveyed the wider role played by those involved. Around 1.4 million men and women served in its ranks, with just under 7,000 killed in the line of duty. They were officially stood down on May 2nd, 1945.
ARP tape for use on windows. Applied to prevent a bomb blast throwing glass splinters around.
ARP Wardens office door plaque.
ARP Plaque. These would have been attached to the door frame of members of the ARP in order for the population to identify where they could locate a warden.
Breast badge of the ARP.
It fell to each local council to organise the various sections required to liaise with the regular Police and Fire Brigades; these included the wardens, messengers, ambulance drivers and rescue parties.
ARP silver lapel badge.The enforcement of the blackout came under the jurisdiction of the ARP wardens from September 1st, 1939 and once the Luftwaffe began their bombing campaign, the ARP was central in dealing with the consequences, as well as ensuring the civilian population was directed to shelters.
ARP issue whistle.In 1941, the ARP changed its name to The Civil Defence Service as it better conveyed the wider role played by those involved. Around 1.4 million men and women served in its ranks, with just under 7,000 killed in the line of duty. They were officially stood down on May 2nd, 1945.
ARP tape for use on windows. Applied to prevent a bomb blast throwing glass splinters around.ARP Wardens office door plaque.
ARP Plaque. These would have been attached to the door frame of members of the ARP in order for the population to identify where they could locate a warden.
Head ARP Warden's Helmet.
ARP beret Badge.
Shell Dressing used by the ARP.
Pamphlet detailing the arrangements for ARP in Sandwich Kent. Distributed originally to all households in the area of Sandwich.
Matchbox cover with ARP logo.
Anti-gas Ointment Jar.
Tool to remove chemical agents from surfaces.
To learn about Fire watchers, click here.
To view our collection of ARP Uniforms. click here.
To view our collection of ARP Manuals, click here.
To read about the Luftwaffe fire bombing of Coventry, click here.
To view our ARP medical tin, click here.
To view a genuine ARP information film, click here.
To view a genuine information film about the Anderson Shelter, click here.
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