When the Luftwaffe switched its attack from Fighter Command airfields to London itself on September 7th, the preparations which had been made, in 1937, to handle this kind of eventuality, swung into operation. A body had been formed, under the name of Air Raid Precaution, commonly known as the ARP, which was to be responsible for handling the problems and the damage created by air raids.

The system involved the creation of a network of ARP wardens who were situated in ARP posts dotted around urban areas. They were equipped with first aid items and were linked by telephone to the Police and the Fire Brigade.

Once the air raid siren, warning of an incoming raid was sounded, they took charge. They saw to it that people were guided to the appropriate shelter. Then, as a raid progressed and as the bombs fell, they located buildings which were damaged and had suffered casualties. They directed ambulances and the Fire Brigade to where they were needed. It was they who tried to exert a measure of control over chaotic events. They did a wonderful job.