British "ARP" Wardens steel helmet

[Adrian Stevenson]

The ARP or "Air Raid Precautions" were in charge of civil defence in WW2, ensuring public safety in air raids, enforcing the blackout, etc. Sometimes not a popular person with the British public if you were fined for showing light at night! But they were respected for the work they did once the "Blitz" started in 1940.

They were issued with the standard Tommy helmet but repainted black. The white stenciled "W" stood for "Warden".

Maker marked and dated "EC & Co. 1939" ( E Camelinat & Co Ltd, Birmingham)

Cheers, Ade.

[AndyD]

These helmets were also made from defective 'Tommy' helmets,this was signified by drilling 2 or 3 small holes at either side where the chinstrap attached to the helmet.

Cheers,
Andy