Voices of World War II - the ARP Warden's Journal

To mark VE Day, while under the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 lockdown, Hertfordshire Archives & Local Studies have created a number of audio recordings, illustrating various aspects of the county’s contribution to the war and its response to victory in 1945.

Click on the play button below the image

The Air Raid Wardens Service was established in 1937 and in the following year, the Women’s Voluntary Service was created to support it.   When the war broke out, here as across the country, men and women stepped forward to lend their support. First among them were the Air Raid Wardens.  During the early months of the war, the principal duties of the ARP Wardens were to register everyone in their area and enforce the blackout.

During the early months of the war, the principal duties of the ARP Wardens were to register everyone in their area and enforce the blackout.  One log book from Cheshunt in 1940 reflects how these quiet nights occasionally led to mischief.  Needless to say the guilty parties were cautioned by the authorities.

HALS Ref: UDC/7/5/71

Read by Chris Bennett.

This page was added on 08/05/2020.

Add your comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.

Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this page!