Air Raid Warden’s Whistle & Cord

An air raid warden holding a whistle in their hand..

Documents clearly show that Air Raid Wardens were issued with a whistle and a cord. Exactly which kind of whistle is hard to determine - whether commercial versions or military ones were sourced is currently unknown.

There exists a very large number of plastic whistles with “ALERT” and “Made in U.S.A.” on one side, and on the other the victory ‘V’ letter and Morse code for the letter V.

Many of these whistles are made with two different colored halves, often marbled in appearance. Solid color whistles are also found.

These could be what is known as ‘war shortage’ whistles. Being made of plastic, they replaced metal for use in war industries.

I’d be very interested to hear if anyone has a whistle with bona fide provenance. Also, if anyone knows more about these ALERT whistles, please drop me a message.

A historical government issued property card from 1942 listing a white steel helmet and a whistle with cord, signed by a warden.
Five plastic whistles in various colors including red, black, blue, and yellow. With ALERT and Made in USA on one side.

Air Raid Warden Whistle

A white plastic whistle with “AIR RAD WARDEN” written on each side. Some claims state this was part of a Junior Air Raid Warden play set.

A vintage Air Warden whistle with a chain attached.