CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS, RECORDS (C842)

Scope and Content

Including lantern slides, film strips, publications and leaflets early-late 20th century

Administrative / Biographical History

The Air Raid Precautions Service (ARP) was set up as a separate section under the Home Office in 1935 and by the end of 1940 the ARP, along with organisations such as the Women's Voluntary Service or WVS (later the Women's Royal Voluntary Service) and the Auxilliary Fire Service (AFS) had become known collectively as Civil Defence. England was divided into 10 Civil Defence regions, each of which had a regional office maintained by the Home Office. Civil Defence organisations were ordered to be wound down in April 1945 however with the advent of the Cold War these orders never really took effect and new measures were introduced such as the Civil Defence Corps established by the Civil Defence Act 1948. The Civil Defence Corps were split into 5 sections (Headquarters, Warden, Rescue, Welfare, Ambulance and First Aid). Industrial Civil Defence Units were also established under this act. Civil Deefence organisations were officially disbanded in 1968. The Womens Royal Voluntary Service still continues to operate today.

Access Information

These records are available from the Wakefield Office by appointment. WYAS uses the CARN readers ticket system, please see our website at http://www.wyjs.org.uk/archives-carn.asp

Other Finding Aids

None

Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

Good condition, some cracked lantern slides. Filmstrips require specialist equipment to view which is not available at the repository

Appraisal Information

Duplicates removed on preliminary appraisal. Collection yet to be fully appraised

Custodial History

Deposited by M. Milward via Gordon Watson (Wakefield Museum) 5th September 1991. Additional material deposited 26 Sep 1991.

Accruals

Further accruals are not expected

Related Material

WYAS 5030, WYL1858, CBH, WYL1487, C1340, 26D83, C1013