WW1 Specials & WW2 A.R.P London Blitz group to Father, son & wife

The group is offered together as found, with significant scope for further research.

Streatham was heavily affected by the Blitz, with the Metropolitan Borough of Wandsworth recording over 738 high explosive bombs dropped between 7 October 1940 and 6 June 1941 alone, equivalent to roughly one bomb for every eleven acres of the borough. The Head family lived and served through that experience.

A genuinely uncommon family grouping spanning both World Wars, comprising the Great War Metropolitan Special Constabulary awards to Wilfrid H. Head, together with the Second World War Air Raid Precautions and Civil Defence material of two further members of the same household, almost certainly his son and daughter-in-law. All items relate to the family home at 40 Stanthorpe Road, an address which in 1940 to 1942 fell within the Metropolitan Borough of Wandsworth (Streatham being part of Wandsworth from 1900 until the 1965 boundary changes that transferred it to the London Borough of Lambeth).

 First World War element, attributed to Wilfrid H. Head, Metropolitan Special Constabulary
∙ Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, George V first type, bronze, the rim officially impressed “WILFRID H. HEAD”. Established by Royal Warrant in August 1918 to reward unpaid service during the Great War, qualification required not less than three years’ service and at least 150 police duties between 4 August 1914 and 11 November 1918.
∙ The earlier 1917-pattern Metropolitan Special Constabulary Long Service bronze medallion, 32mm diameter, suspended from its original floriated pin-back clasp. This badge was instituted in May 1917 for those who had completed not less than 150 duties and at least two years’ service during the war. By J.R. Gaunt, London.
∙ Metropolitan Special Constabulary bronzed cap badge, crowned title circlet bearing the Royal Arms to centre.

Second World War element, to Mr H.W. Head and Mrs D.R. Head
∙ Two Borough of Wandsworth Air Raid Precautions Warden’s identity certificates in original red leatherette covers, bearing consecutive serial numbers 25974 (Mrs D.R. Head) and 25975 (Mr H.W. Head), both signed by the Chief Warden and dated of issue 20th October 1940, with date of appointment as Air Raid Warden 9th October 1940. The consecutive numbering and identical dates confirm that the couple were enrolled together at the height of the Blitz, which had begun on 7 September 1940.
∙ Pair of sterling silver ARP lapel badges produced by the Royal Mint. One with the crescent buttonhole fitting (correct for a male warden) and one with the brooch pin fitting (correct for a female warden). Issued from the formation of the ARP until 1940, after which the badges were produced in base metal. The presence of both male and female correct issue patterns in a single family group is unusual.
∙ Metropolitan Borough of Wandsworth Civil Defence Certificate, No. S.1333, issued to Mrs D.R. Head of 40 Stanthorpe Road, S.W.16, dated 13th May 1942. Signed by R.H. Jerman, Town Clerk and Controller. The certificate confirms that the recipient had undertaken Civil Defence duties amounting to not less than forty-eight hours in each month prior to 18th January 1941, and thereby exempts her from fire prevention duties under Article 3 of the Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order 1941, for so long as her Civil Defence duties continued. A female recipient of such an exemption is notably uncommon and reflects a level of front-line service well in excess of the standard part-time warden’s commitment.