The ARP Ambulance Service Operating in Sheffield during WW2

by Michael Dyson

Before the onset of WW2, it was feared that mass bombings of towns would result in mass casualties as was suggested by the Spanish Civil War. The British government were horrified by the projected casualty figures. They expected many thousands of casualties with the civil authorities unable to cope. As a result, the Air Raid Precautions body was formed and air raid wardens, police and fire services were organised. Ambulance services were created which were intended to augment the civil ambulance services. Sometimes called the forgotten service there are few official records or detailed accounts. Personnel testimonies are rare with many of those involved often too traumatised to discuss their experiences, even years later. This was the case with my mother to whom I dedicate this book. Because manpower was very short, the majority who served in the ambulance service were young women. Sheffield would seem to be unique in the way it trained these young women to drive the large converted ambulances at a time when working class women did not normally drive a car.

155 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2022