Air Raid Precautions Collection (page 2)

Air Raid Precautions (ARP) were organised by the national government and delivered by the local authorities. The aim was to protect civilians from the danger of air-raids

Air Raid Precautions workers salvaging in the debris of two working class houses bombed in a recent raid, Sidney Place, Edge Hill, Liverpool, pictured Tuesday 12th November 1940

A. R. P. demonstration at Esher. Wardens wearing thir gas masks. April 1938
A.R.P. demonstration at Esher. Wardens wearing thir gas masks. April 1938

Passengers disembark from a bus wearing their gas masks during an ARP exercise on Merseyside. 16th July 1941

Czecho-Slovakia Crisis (Sept. 13-29, 1938. ) A. R. P. measures taken in Liverpool as members
Czecho-Slovakia Crisis (Sept.13-29, 1938.) A.R.P. measures taken in Liverpool as members of the public seen here receiving their gas masks at an un-named school 27th September 1938

Construction of air raid shelters in Birkenhead Park. 24th September 1938

A. R. P. demonstration at Esher. Wardens seen here being given training on how to deal with
A.R.P. demonstration at Esher. Wardens seen here being given training on how to deal with an incendiary bomb. April 1938

Shortly after the radio broadcast by the Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, declaring war on Germany, air raid sirens sounded over London

Women in Royden Grove, Lincoln Receiving Instruction in the use of a stirrup pump to put out fires. 8th August 1940

Czecho-Slovakia Crisis (Sept. 13-29, 1938. ) A. R. P. measures taken in Derby as members of
Czecho-Slovakia Crisis (Sept.13-29, 1938.) A.R.P. measures taken in Derby as members of the public queue for gas masks at St. Dunstains Schools, Derby 15th September 1938

Qualcast Ltd, A. R. P. test at works in Victory Road, Derby 15th October 1939
Qualcast Ltd, A.R.P. test at works in Victory Road, Derby 15th October 1939

Air raid wardens at one of their posts during the A. R. P. exercises in Derby
Air raid wardens at one of their posts during the A.R.P. exercises in Derby. 15th May 1939

Home Office steel A. R. P. Shelters tested at Shotton. Scenes in the works of Messrs. J
Home Office steel A.R.P. Shelters tested at Shotton. Scenes in the works of Messrs. J. Summers and Sons, Ltd. where thousands of the shelters are being made

Sandbags to the left, sandbags to the right, and sandbags all around. They are everywhere in Derby. This huge pile is seen against the walls of the Derby Borough Police. 15th September 1939

A wayward barrage balloon is brought under control in the Dean Street area of Derby. 15th October 1939

Members of the ARP demonstrate how to deal with a suspected gas attack during a series of civil defence demonstration at Sandown Park April 1939

Dudley Road, Birmingham ARP Service parade after an exercise. September 1939 In 1935 the Home Office announced that local authorities would be responsible for drawing up plans for public protection

Ambulance men, ARP wardens and members of the public taking part in a air raid exercise at Dudley Road, Birmingham. September 1939 In 1935 the Home Office announced that local authorities would be

A council workman surveys the sandbag protection at an un-named school in the West Midlands. Circa September 1939

A sound locator crew working with a Search Light unit during an air raid exercise in the West Midlands.. Such methods, as well as the Observation Corps

Birmingham University students and workmen from the City Council seen here filing sandbags in a pit near the University, for the protection of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on the eve of the outbreak

The Out Patients Department of Birminghams Queen Elizabeth Hospital sandbagged in preparation for the outbreak of the Second World World. 1st September 1939

Army spotter taking part in a searchlight exercise in the West Midlands involving the Army and the RAF just prior to the outbreak of the Second World War. 8th August 1939

Birmingham City Council workmen seen here filling and sandbagging the Citys Education Office in Margaret Street in the city centre a few days before the outbreak of the Second World War

Birmingham council workmen construct an emergency water container in the city centre on the eve of the outbreak of the second world war. 1st September 1939

Searchlight exercise in the West Midlands involving the Army and the RAF just prior to the outbreak of the Second World War. 8th August 1939

Many hands make light work... Said these girls from C and A
Many hands make light work...Said these girls from C and A. When they cheerfully joined in sandbag filling in Birmingham City Centre on the eve of the outbreak of the Second World War

Gas masks being issued at Upton School. 27th August 1939

Children filling sandbags in Paignton in September 1939, at the start of the " Phoney War" as it became known

An emergency water tank for extinguishing fires built in the corner of the Omnibus Station and car park in Lymington Road, Torquay in June 1941

ARP Warden on fire watch in Bristol, armed with his trusted stirrup pump and buckets of sand. Circa December 1940

Demonstrating a gas mask on a patient in hospital in the early years of the Second World War. Circa September 1939

Gas mask test at the start of the second world war, Bristol Circa September 1939

A demonstration of a barrage balloon being inflated on the Downs in 1939. Bristol as the country prepares for war

Bristolians in 1939 seen here being issued with gas masks in the build up to the Second World War. By September 1939 some 38 million gas masks had been given out to the civil population

As the threat of war overshadowed Britain in 1938 and following the Munich Crisis Britain began to take measures to prepare itself for the possibility of war

The new blue battledress uniform for members of ARP Services, as announced by Mr Herbert Morrison Minister for Home Security, in the House of Commons today. 26th May 1941

Making sandbags in the shelter - Women are making and men filling sandbags in the basement of the India building in the city. The basement of this building is to be an official shelter

Royal visit to Salford - King George VI & Queen Elizabeth talking to a group warden in Salford. Feb 1941

No official caption. ARP Personnel training in bomb disposal and decontamination. They are wearing the full anti-gas suit with civilian service respirator. 1938

Winston Churchill appealing for ARP recruits at Mansion House in the build up to the Second World War. 24th April 1939

Timbering up the deep trenches in Birkenhead Park. The shelters will have seats along each side and be covered with loose earth. Birkenhead, Merseyside, 28th September 1938

Telephone girls at Whitley Bay Post Office try out the gas masks as they prepare for any eventuality during A.R.P training. August 1938

Telephone girls at Whitley Bay Post Office try out the gas masks as they prepare for any eventuality during A.R.P training. 27th August 1938

The air raid shelters in The Side, Newcastle, which were being demolished. Architect Bill Hopper is pictured prior to work commencing. 20/04/1998

Sandbags are placed for the protection of buildings in Newcastle in prepartion for air raids. 03/09/1939

On the day Britain declared war on Germany, following the invasion of Poland, people in the parks left their seats and walked to the A R P trenches as though they had all rehearsed it

A young lady emerges from an Anderson Shelter after an air raid and a heavy night of bombing. Circa: 1940

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"Air Raid Precautions: Safeguarding Lives and Unleashing Heroes" In the face of impending danger, nations have always sought ways to protect their citizens. During World War II, Britain pioneered a comprehensive system known as Air Raid Precautions (ARP), aimed at minimizing the devastating impact of aerial attacks. This captivating cigarette card from 1938 showcases some key elements of ARP. Gas Masks For Dogs: As war engulfed Europe, even our loyal four-legged friends were not spared. The image captures a heartwarming sight – dogs equipped with specially designed gas masks, affectionately dubbed "Dogs of War. " These brave animals played an essential role in search and rescue missions amidst chaos. Barrage Balloon: Hovering high above cities like majestic guardians, barrage balloons acted as formidable deterrents against enemy aircraft. Their presence forced pilots to fly at higher altitudes, reducing accuracy during bombings and protecting civilians below. Mobile First Aid Post MED01_01_0220: In times of crisis, medical assistance becomes paramount. Mobile first aid posts like this one ensured that injured individuals received immediate attention on-site or while being transported to hospitals for further care. Birmingham A. R. P. : Birmingham's dedicated ambulance drivers and attendants donned new uniforms proudly as they prepared themselves for any eventuality. These unsung heroes braved dangerous conditions to save lives and provide comfort during air raids. Main A. R. P Control Centre in Liverpool: At the heart of every operation lay efficient communication networks. Here we see a young girl telephonist skillfully operating her phone at Liverpool's main A. R. P control centre – connecting vital information across the city under attack. Tracheal Tube Gas Mask: Innovations in protective gear extended beyond conventional designs; this gas mask catered specifically to those who relied on tracheal tubes for breathing support. It exemplified ARP's commitment to inclusivity by ensuring that everyone had a chance to survive. Air Raid Shelters.