Air Raid Warden Post Enamel Sign
I’m currently uncertain of the date of issue for these Air Raid Warden Post enamelled signs. If you know if they are wartime or Cold War, drop me a message.
Enamel Air Raid Warden Post sign
ALERT Whistles
I am looking for information about the types of whistles issued to Air Raid Wardens during WWII. I assume most were issued with commercial whistles, but there are a large number of these ‘ALERT’ whistles on the market. They feature the word ‘ALERT’ and ‘Made in USA’ and have the victory V emblem and Morse code for the letter ‘V’ on the other side. Often found in two-tone marbled plastic.
If you know more about these whistles, drop me a message.
Five ALERT two-tone plastice whistles
Target No. 1 - New York City Recruitment Poster
A recruitment poster to drive enrollment in the civilian defense corps. The East Coast of the US, and the major cities there, were thought to be a primary target for German aircraft. C.D.V.O. relates to Civilian Defence Volunteer Offices.
WWII Civilian Defense recruitment poster featuring a swastika aiming for New York City as Target No. 1.
“Uncle Sam’s Home Defense”, 1941 GUM, INC Card
Card #97 from GUM, INC printed in 1941. The card shows New York Mayor La Guardia at his desk talking to two gentlemen. The man on the right bears a close resemblance to James Landis, La Guardia’s successor as Director of the Office of Civilian Defense.
GUM, INC. card #97 from 1941 entitled “Uncle Sam’s Home Defense”
Introducing WW2 Civil Defense
Hello and welcome.
I created this site to collate information, photos, uniforms, insignia, helmets and documentation about the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) during WWII.
Please note: I have used WW2 in the site name (ww2civildefense) as it is easier to read and remember than Roman numerals. On the main site, I will (usually) use WWII and World War II.
I often do research into the OCD during the years 1941 to 1945, but I will hold my hands up and say I will occasionally make mistakes. I will rely on visitors to the site to make corrections and amendments.
I am especially keen to hear from collectors and historians of the period. I am more than happy to add items from your collection to the site and to add interesting information as blog posts.
Craig Smith - August 2025