WW2 14: civil defence

This watercolour is of a WW2 Civil Defence training exercise.

The Civil Defence Service included Air Raid Wardens, the National Fire Service, Fire Guards, and Rescue, First Aid and Stretcher parties.

Over 1.9 million men and women served in it during WW2 and more than 2,400 lost their lives due to enemy action.

This Regional Column Group has:

• a staff car containing the Group Officer and instructor
• 4 fire engines
• 2 ambulances
• 2 dispatch riders on motorbikes.

Volunteers were trained in what to do if the enemy attacked.   This included putting out fires and rescuing and treating casualties.

The pub in the background is the Newick Inn, which suggests the rendezvous location may have been Newick in East Sussex. Perhaps the village pub was the venue for some much-needed refreshment after training was over.

The dark blue battledress and trousers in the painting were first issued in February 1941.   This suggests it was painted after that date.