This ARP Buttonhole Badge is a small but highly recognisable detail for British WWII civilian clothing, Civil Defence displays and ARP Warden impressions. The silver coloured metal badge features the ARP device with King’s Crown and was worn by volunteers of the Air Raid Precautions services.

The badge is suitable for a civilian jacket, coat, waistcoat or period outfit, but it can also be used on a black ARP/Civil Defence beret. This makes it suitable for both an early British Home Front civilian impression and a later ARP Warden or Civil Defence display. A modest piece of metal, but one that instantly adds the right wartime signal-flare to the impression.

Historical Context 

The Air Raid Precautions, commonly known as ARP, formed an important part of British Civil Defence during WWII. ARP volunteers assisted with air raid warnings, blackout enforcement, damage control, first aid and guiding civilians during bombing raids.

From 1937, the ARP buttonhole badge was issued to men and women who volunteered and completed basic training. In the early years it was mainly worn on civilian clothing, often with an ARP armband when the wearer was on active duty. With the introduction of Civil Defence uniforms and berets, the ARP badge was also used on headwear, including the black or very dark appearing Civil Defence beret. This makes the badge suitable for several British Home Front and ARP impressions from the wartime period.

Additional advice : pairs well with an ARP armband, civilian jacket, period shirt, tie, black Civil Defence beret or other British Home Front accessories.

Specifications : reproduction version, ARP Buttonhole Badge, British WWII Air Raid Precautions / Civil Defence, silver coloured metal, pin badge, suitable for civilian clothing and black ARP/Civil Defence beret, weight approx. 20 grams, suitable for re-enactment, living history, film production, museum display and presentation.