| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL34665 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Badge |
| Physical description | Brass, Enamel |
| Maker |
Handford |
| Place made | Australia: Queensland, Brisbane |
| Date made | c 1942-44 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
ARP (Queensland) Warden badge : F R Kerr
Description
Diamond shaped brass badge with an enamel finish. The diamond is surmounted by the King's Crown and is divided horizontally into black over yellow. The letters ARP appear in the top half; the name WARDEN in the lower half; both in natural brass. The reverse is impressed '7283' and includes the maker's name and location and a pair of loop attachments.
History / Summary
Air Raid Precaution (ARP) Warden's badge issued to Frederick Raymond Kerr, born Winton, Queensland; a grazier from Inverell, NSW who had served with 12 Light Horse Regiment during the First World War. After the war he settled in Tulley, Qld. His daughter relates that he was in Townsville on the night of the first Japanese bombing raid (25-26 July 1942) where the sudden shock triggered a stroke. The family moved to Ashgrove, Brisbane and after recovery, Fred volunteered for service with the State Emergency Service, acting as a Air Raid Precaution (ARP) Warden for Ashgrove. He wore this badge whilst serving in this capacity. He was additionally employed as an Inspector for the Department of the Army Inspection Branch, regularly visiting and checking the quality of military clothing at Brisbane and district clothing factories.