How many air raid wardens were there in ww2?
In all 1.4 million men and women served as ARP wardens during World War Two.
What did air raid wardens do in ww2?
The Second World War started in 1939 and ended in 1945. An ARP Warden’s main task was to try and protect people during air raids, when enemy planes dropped bombs, especially on cities. They would hand out gas masks and guide people to shelters.
Who were air raid wardens?
Air raid wardens were the first link in the chain of Britain’s civil defence system. Wardens worked from a network of wardens’ posts, which were connected to higher command by telephone or messenger. When bombing raids occurred, wardens on duty had to monitor and report bomb damage.
Did America have air raid wardens?
After the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Americans were on the alert for air raids over the mainland. The Minnesota office of Civilian Defense recruited volunteer air raid wardens in each city and town to help guide the citizenry in the steps to take should an air raid occur.
Did air raid Wardens get medals?
They worked as air raid wardens, first aid workers, firewatchers, messengers, in rescue efforts, in rest centres, and emergency feeding programmes. Acts of bravery by civilians, police, and fire were rewarded with a variety of awards and medals.
How much did air raid wardens get paid?
By the time the Blitz started in the summer of 1940 full-time ARP personnel were being paid £3 and 5 shillings (£3 5s.) per week; women received £2, 3 shillings and 6 pence (£2 3s. 6d.) Part-time members would have their normal employment salary topped up with a few extra shillings per week.
Did the USA have air raid wardens in ww2?
The United States was less than two months into World War II when President Franklin D. Roosevelt personally accepted National Commander Lynn Stambaugh’s offer to use Legionnaires and posts to train others to qualify as plane spotters and air-raid wardens.
What uniform did air raid precautions wear?
At the beginning of the war, ARP wardens had no uniform, but wore their own clothes (wardens wore helmets, arm bands and badges on their civilian clothes) and in October 1939 issued with ‘bluette’ overalls with a red on black ‘ARP’ badge.
Who were the air raid wardens?
As soon as it got dark the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) came into effect, enforced by ARP men, also known as Air Raid Wardens. In an ARP poster advertising for recruits, all recruits are described as wardens. ARP wardens wore hard metal hats, some with a W painted on them and some with the letters ARP painted on them. Who ARP wardens were.
Did you know there was an air raid warden in Lambourn?
One of the Air Raid Wardens appointed for Lambourn was William Pottinger who started his duties in September 1938 Air Raid Wardens were supplied with basic equipment although it is not known which equipment was issued for Lambourn. Thank you to David Pottinger for the photographs and information relating to William Pottinger.
What was the role of Ward wardens in WW2?
Wardens gave ARP advice to the public and were responsible for reporting bombs and other incidents, and were joined by the Women’s Voluntary Service in May 1938. On 1 January 1938, the Air Raid Precautions Act came into force, compelling all local authorities to begin creating their own ARP services.
Who were the ARP wardens?
Who ARP wardens were. ARP men were either too old or infirm for military service or in reserved occupations. They wore black battle dress and trousers and a steel helmet painted black with the letters ARP painted in white on the front. Each one carried a police whistle and a torch, a haversack that held a first aid kit, and their own gas mask.