We have been discovering more about the home front. Today I want to tell you about the ARP wardens. They are some of the most recognisable and sometimes controversial figures of the Home Front during the Second World War. We have the image of tin helmets, whistles and torches, while patrolling the black out streets during air raids. But were they admired or were they people who caused frustration? The truth was they were somewhere in between.
Before the war, the British government realised that air attacks on civilians were likely to happen. Bombing during the previous war and the fears of devastating aerial attacks influenced the plans. In 1937 the Air Raid Precautions organisation, or the ARP, expanded across Britain. Thousands of men and women volunteered to help protect their communities.
When the war broke out in 1939, wardens became a familiar sight. They were made up of people from all walks of life and they often knew the streets and people in the area. Their duties were varied and demanding. They ensured that blackout regulations were followed, reported bomb damage, helped to guide people to shelters and gave basic assistance after attacks working with rescue services.
At first, feelings about them were mixed. The blackout was essential because any visible light could help enemy aircraft to navigate, but it was inconvenient and frustrating. Some wardens had to knock on doors or call out warnings when peoples curtains were not fully closed or when light was escaping. You can easily see how they could cause animosity. Some families complained that wardens were interfering or overzealous. Humorous cartoons and jokes portrayed them as busybodies or petty rule-enforcers.
But the reality of bombings soon changed many peoples opinions.
As the Blitz started to intensify from 1940, wardens were faced with frightening conditions. While other people were able to shelter, many wardens stayed outside in the dark and danger. Some even suffered injuries and many would have lost friends, neighbours or even their own homes. They were ordinary person trying to stay calm in the fear.
They were expected to be confident and capable, even when they were frightened. Some were undoubtedly strict or unpopular, some loved the power it gave them but countless others earned the gratitude and respect of the people they served with their courage and steady presence.
By the end of war, ARP wardens had become a part of Britain’s wartime story. They were not perfect heroes or irritating officials, they were human beings doing a difficult job in an extraordinary situation.
Do you think you would have welcomed the ARP warden or would you have found their visits frustrating?
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