Armband of Brothers

Among the more affordable collectables from the Second World War, Fire Guard armbands are a tangible link to Britain’s civil defence efforts. Typically priced between £10 and £20, these fabric insignia served as an essential identifier for those tasked with fire prevention and hazard monitoring during air raids.

The most common wartime Fire Guard armbands came in two variations: printed or stencilled, both featuring bold yellow “FIRE GUARD” lettering on a dark navy blue background. The colour matched the coveralls typically worn by those on duty, ensuring clear visibility. While Fire Guards were not firefighters in the conventional sense, they played a crucial role in spotting and mitigating potential fire risks.

A closely related piece of wartime insignia is the RN Patrol brassard, issued by the Royal Navy for personnel guarding dockyards, ships, and loading areas. These armbands were made in two types: one with black elastic for securing to the arm and another with white elastic for fastening at the cuff, ensuring visibility even while carrying equipment. Under the Geneva Convention, an armband was considered part of a uniform, giving its wearer official status.

Despite their historical significance, both Fire Guard and RN Patrol armbands remain relatively easy to find, making them an excellent starting point for collectors interested in wartime home front memorabilia. For now, prices remain low—but as with many artefacts, scarcity may eventually drive values higher.