National Service 1939

[Postwarden]

To most people "National Service" means the period of compulsory military service introduced after the Second World War but there was an earlier usage.

From 1939 there was a nationwide National Service Drive to encourage men and women to volunteer with the newly-formed Air Raid Precautions services. Rallies were held in larger cities and a pamphlet listing all the roles for which men and women could volunteer was distributed nationwide.

A major event was a rally held in London's Albert Hall on 24th January 1939 which was attended by volunteers from London's Metropolitan boroughs. At the rally each borough was presented with an embroidered pennon on which the letters ARP were displayed alongside the borough's crest. The picture shows a sample featured in a newspaper. Twenty eight pennons were presented that night - but has anyone ever seen one?

Jon

[Rob Miller]

Hi Jon

There appears to be one in Hackney Museum.

Rob

https://museum-collection.hackney.go...bject-1991-728

[Postwarden]

Rob,

Brilliant! Many thanks.

Jon

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by Postwarden

A major event was a rally held in London's Albert Hall on 24th January 1939 which was attended by volunteers from London's Metropolitan boroughs. At the rally each borough was presented with an embroidered pennon on which the letters ARP were displayed alongside the borough's crest. The picture shows a sample featured in a newspaper. Twenty eight pennons were presented that night - but has anyone ever seen one?

Jon

Short British Pathé news film of the event :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14VrANQTDzU

.

[Home Guard]

All very cool!!!

Terry

[Beaker123]

Here's a photo of ARP/Civil Defence members with the Wandsworth pennon.

Steve