Summary

Air Raid Warden's badge. Stamped on back 'Issued by State Emergency Council / Bentley'. A. R. P. (Air Raid Precaution) - the body raised for civil defence during World War II, 1939-1945.

The Argus newspaper reported on 14 February 1941 that 'The first badges to be issued to A.R.P. volunteers were struck yesterday, and soon 10,000 will have been made for distribution to general A.R.P. volunteer workers. The badges are of polished chromium-plated metal, with the letters ARP on a red enamel background, the whole surmounted by a silver crown .The wardens' badges will be of similar design, with the addition of the word "Warden".'

The Australian War Memorial identifies 'Bentley' as C. Bentley Ltd - see for example its Air Raid Precautions Warden badge REL/15711.009.

Physical Description

Silver plated badge with red and blue enamel. Crown over rectangles bearing 'Victoria' in red enamel and 'ARP' on red enamel background with 'BB 481/Warden' in blue enamel underneath. Two loops soldered on back of badge.

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