This original WW2 ARP Rescue Service Manual, issued as Air Raid Precautions Training Manual No. 3, is a genuine wartime example used to train Britain’s Civil Defence rescue teams during enemy air raids. This is the 1st Edition text, printed in 1942 and reprinted in 1944 by His Majesty’s Stationery Office (HMSO) to meet the continuing demand for training material during the V-1 and V-2 bombing campaign.

Designed for Rescue and Heavy Rescue Parties, this manual covers the essential procedures used to locate, reach, and extract casualties from bomb-damaged buildings. Topics typically include structural hazards, shoring and tunnelling methods, working in debris, casualty handling, equipment use, and gas precautions. These booklets were standard issue for ARP personnel and would have been carried, studied, and referenced by rescue workers across the UK.

This example remains in very good, completely original wartime condition, with the correct kraft-paper style covers, clean printed lettering, and the clear HMSO crown and date: “1942 (Reprinted, 1944)”. A highly collectable Home Front item and an excellent reference for collectors, reenactors, display builders, and anyone interested in Civil Defence history.

A fully authentic WW2 Rescue Service manual and a harder-to-find edition compared to the more common First Aid booklets.

This manual is in very good condition overall, with a slight fold to the front cover and a small tear on the spine (see photos). A minor stain affects the corner of the first dozen or so pages, but the text remains clean and perfectly legible. There is no handwriting, no missing pages, and the covers present well for an original wartime example.