*British, WW2, Southampton Fire Guard Plan 1943*
A fascinating document showing the mid-war Fire Guard Plan for Southampton.
Southampton Blitz:
The Southampton Blitz was a series of heavy bombing raids by the Nazi German Luftwaffe in World War II, so one can imagine how crucial the fire guards and wardens were to the defense of the city. Southampton, a strategic target due to its busy docks and the Supermarine factory producing Spitfires, endured 57 attacks, leading to over 1,500 air raid warnings. The city suffered approximately 2,300 bombs, totaling over 470 tonnes of explosives, and more than 30,000 incendiary devices. Nearly 45,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed, including significant hits on the city’s High Street.
About the Air Raid Precautions in 1943:
During World War II, in order to provide the appropriate level of support it was decided to secure householders as volunteers to form Supplementary Fire Parties (SFP) trained by and under the control of the Air Raid Wardens Service operated under the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) and later Civil Defense. They played a vital role in handling small fires caused by air raids, particularly from incendiary bombs.
In 1943, significant changes to the were introduced, establishing the Fire Guard Organization as a separate service. Local Authority officers took leadership roles, and a new rank structure was implemented, including ‘Fire Guard Area Officers,’ ‘Area Captains,’ ‘Sector Captains,’ ‘Block Leaders,’ and ‘Street Party Leaders.’ Compulsory service for men was extended to 63 years of age, and voluntary enrolment for men was allowed between the ages of 16 to 70, and for women, between 18 to 60. In December 1943 – some 6 million people enrolled in the Fire Guard organisation. Despite criticisms and challenges, these civilian firefighting efforts faced their first major test during the ‘Little Blitz’ in 1944. As the war progressed and threats diminished, Civil Defense organizations were gradually disbanded after May 2, 1945.
*Condition*
A fascinating piece of history in immaculate condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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