Anyone know of a rank structure with the civil defence during WW2 Particulary interested in what the two black stripes signify on this helmet
All I know is Wardens wore black helmets with white W & Chief Wardens worn white helmets with black W. Not sure about the 2 black lines. SPRINGFIELD IN WARTIME: EVERYDAY LIFE IN AN ESSEX VILLAGE, AUGUST 1941. © IWM (D 4263)IWM Non Commercial Licence An Air Raid Precautions Warden reports for duty to the Chief ARP Warden, Mr Davies, at his local ARP post in Springfield, Essex.
http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30101083 From August 1939 all ARP helmets were painted black and service details were added by the application of white lettering, often at both front and rear of the helmet, 2 inches high. White painted MKII helmets had also been used by some senior grades and those in supervisory roles of the ARP and had various systems of rank and titles applied in black. From March 1940, 2 inch wide single and 1 inch wide double stripes were adopted in London, painted front to back, indicating seniority with branch lettering, and the single 2 inch stripe was changed to 1 inch from October 1941. From July 1942 this became the standard procedure adopted nationwide.
Two stripes indicates the senior supervisory rank of Chief Warden, the top warden, in charge of a district/town/city.
Visited Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation museum yesterday, saw this photo of ARPs. Bit difficult to take pics through glass with reflections. Not sure what WSC or D2 is anyone any ideas. Don't think its Winston Spencer Churchill. Maybe West Suffolk Council D2 Dept 2 or Deputy 2 He looks a bit like Hodges.
