Home > Start Tracing > Trace WWII Ancestors Hub > Tracing Your Ancestors Role on the Home Front
When tracing a British ancestor’s wartime experience, we often think of soldiers, sailors, and airmen. But millions served just as bravely on the Home Front. Among the most vital yet overlooked were those involved in Civil Defence and the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) Service during the Second World War. Understanding their roles can unlock a powerful part of your family’s history.
What Was Civil Defence in WWII?
The term Civil Defence covered a wide range of wartime roles designed to protect civilians during bombing raids. These included:
-
Air Raid Precautions (ARP) Wardens
-
Fire Watchers and Fire Guards
-
Rescue and Demolition Teams
-
Ambulance Drivers and First Aid Parties
-
Women’s Voluntary Services (WVS)
-
Report and Control Centre Staff
Thousands of men and women served locally, often unpaid, balancing civilian jobs with night-time duties. If your ancestor lived in Britain during WWII, they may have contributed to this vital effort.
What Did ARP Wardens Do?
ARP wardens were at the heart of local protection during the Blitz. Their duties included:
-
Enforcing the blackout
-
Guiding people to air raid shelters
-
Reporting bomb damage
-
Helping coordinate emergency services
Wardens were often issued with gas masks, helmets, and a whistle — not weapons. Their bravery lay in staying calm amidst chaos, often being the first on the scene after a bombing raid.
How to Trace an ARP or Civil Defence Ancestor
Finding records of Civil Defence or ARP service can be more challenging than tracing military personnel — but it's not impossible. Here’s where to start:
1. Local Archives and County Record Offices
Many ARP service records and Civil Defence personnel lists were maintained at local level. Check:
-
Council or municipal records
-
County archives for wartime duty rosters
-
Electoral registers noting ARP duty
2. The National Archives and Discovery Catalogue
Some Civil Defence records — especially those involving commendations or notable incidents — were retained at the national level. Use search terms like:
-
“ARP Warden [Name]”
-
“Civil Defence Personnel WWII”
-
“Home Front service records UK”
3. Family Documents and Photos
Old identity cards, ARP badges, or group photos may hold vital clues. Look for:
-
Badges with “ARP” or “CD” (Civil Defence)
-
Helmets marked with roles like “W” (Warden) or “R” (Rescue)
-
Medals such as the Defence Medal, often awarded for 3+ years’ service
4. Newspapers and Local Memorials
During and after the war, local newspapers often published lists of Civil Defence volunteers or awards. Many towns still have plaques or roll of honour boards commemorating local ARP teams.
Why Civil Defence Matters in Family History
Understanding your ancestor’s role in Civil Defence adds depth to their story. These were ordinary people doing extraordinary things — saving lives in bombed streets, organising evacuations, and keeping morale high.
By uncovering this history, you don’t just trace military service — you honour the resilience of a community under siege.
Need help finding ARP or Civil Defence records?
At History Recon, we specialise in tracing British Home Front wartime service, including overlooked roles like ARP wardens, ambulance drivers, and WVS volunteers. Let us help uncover your ancestor’s civilian service during WWII.
Or discover more about tracing your British Army WWII ancestor here