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ARP Warden - False Alarm - Pimlico, London
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ARP Warden - False Alarm - Pimlico, London
(text taken from photo caption) False Alarm. Mrs Mary Bennet, ARP Warden in Pimlico, London (" river slum district" !!), happily leaves her post, carrying gas mask, rattle (for gas alarm), and bell (for " all clear" ). Each urban area has its wardens, many of them women, who sound whistles of distinctive notes for bombs, rattles for gas. Biggest job thus far: scolding householders who permit light to show dring blackouts. Paid ARP workers get 3 a week, but many work for nothing. Date: 1940
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Media ID 14118381
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Alarm Alarms Bell Bennett Boots Clear Defense Effort False Handbell Pimlico Rattle Stairs Volunteer Volunteering Warden Waterproofs Wellies Wellington
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "False Alarm: ARP Warden Mary Bennet Leaves Her Post in Pimlico, London, 1940" 2. Description: This evocative photograph captures the moment of relief and respite for ARP Warden Mary Bennet as she steps down from her post in Pimlico, a densely populated "river slum district" of London, during the height of World War II. Mary, dressed in her protective gear, carries her essential tools – a gas mask, rattle for gas alarms, and handbell for signaling "all clear." The distinctive sounds of these alarms were a constant reminder of the ongoing threat of air raids and gas attacks. 3. Background: During the war, urban areas relied on volunteers like Mary to maintain a watchful eye and ear for potential threats. ARP wardens were responsible for sounding alarms, guiding residents to safety, and enforcing blackout regulations. Many wardens were women, who took on this crucial role alongside their other domestic duties. 4. Challenges and Rewards: Mary's biggest challenge thus far had been scolding householders who defied the blackout regulations by leaving lights on, but her work was unpaid, with many volunteers relying on their meager wages as paid ARP workers. Despite the hardships, the sense of community and the vital role she played in protecting her neighborhood gave Mary a deep sense of purpose and pride. 5. Details: Mary's attire includes a helmet, waterproofs, wellington boots, and a determined expression. The steps leading up to her post are a testament to the countless hours she spent on duty, ensuring the safety of her fellow Londoners. This powerful image offers a glimpse into the daily life of an ARP warden during the Second World War, a time when the home front was as crucial as the battlefield.
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