This section is a scaled-down version of the main NBCD Library, listing only A.R.P.-related material published in Great Britain up to 1945.
A substantial amount of material was published concerning Air Raid Precautions from 1935 onwards. While most was official information in the form of the famous Air Raid Precaution Handbooks, Training Manuals, Memoranda etc., there was a good deal of unofficial writing in circulation from experts (self-proclaimed and recognised), journalists, left-wing groups and pacifists, all with a point to make.
Official Air Raid Precautions Publications
Official A.R.P. publications began on 9 July 1935 with the distribution of what is now known as the 'first circular' that announced Air Raid Precautions to the general public. What followed was a deluge of material for a range of audiences, from the public to A.R.P. officials to local authorities. A brief list of the types of publications is as follows:
- Air Raid Precautions Handbooks
- Air Raid Precautions Memoranda
- Air Raid Precautions Pamphlets
- Air Raid Precautions/Civil Defence Training Manuals
- Air Raid Precautions Training Bulletins
- Air Raid Precautions/Civil Defence Training Pamphlets
- Air Raid Precautions Equipment Bulletins
- Public Information Leaflets
- A.R.P. Department/Home Security Circulars
- Air Raid Precautions Instructional Diagrams
There were numerous other miscellaneous publications, non-serial and irregular issues such as the Air Raids: what you must know - what you must do handbook and leaflets such as What to do about Gas.