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Help Identifying 'Air Raid Warden Baton WW2 1942/43' SRA STAR SYMBOL

Discussion in 'Weapons' started by Quick Bricks, Mar 10, 2019.

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  1. Quick Bricks

    Quick Bricks New Member

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    Hello everyone,

    I am new here and am researching some things I inherited from my Grandpa and Great Grandpa. As far as I know my Great Grandpa was in WW2 and brought home some items such as weapons, shrapnel, home made knife, and a baton.

    I know nothing about these items other than they are from ww2.

    The baton measures 22 1/4" exactly from end to end.

    The baton is made of hard wood, not sure what kind. It is in great condition with little wear. The leather strap is completely
    broken off the handle except for small remnants around the handle of the baton. I assume the remaining leather is original but I do not know.

    There are 6 hand groove marks in the handle, where as most I have researched have many more grooves on the handles.

    There are no marks at all other than just above the top handle on the stem of the baton in the marking stamped into the wood using a metal stamp 'S' with 'RA' underneath inside a six pointed hollow star.

    The most I can find is that the six pointed star looks like the Star of David. The SRA I cannot find anything to reference that too.

    On the outside of the baton where it was being stored was a manila envelope wrapped around the end of the baton with a post it that says' AIR-RAID WARDEN BATON 1942/43'

    As said previously I know nothing about this baton and any help would be greatly appreciated. All air raid warden baton pictures I have found look close to this but not exactly like this one I have and I have found literally nothing online with the makers mark of a six pointed hollow star with the letters SRA in the middle of it.

    20190310_111413.jpg 20190310_111436.jpg 20190310_111447.jpg 20190310_111451.jpg 20190310_111500.jpg 20190310_111508.jpg
     

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    Quick Bricks, Mar 10, 2019
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  2. Otto

    Otto Spambot Nemesis Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    I do like a good truncheon.

    I'll start by asking which army your grandfather served in? We are an international site, and I believe air raid wardens were functions within the US and UK, which would include Canada and other commonwealth nations.

    I'll also point out the log could just as easily be "RSA". I presume this indicates the baton manufacturer, but it could be a logo related to his unit of service.

    I haven't seen any photos of Air Raid Wardens with batons, but it isn't hard to imagine arming a few of them with these. During an air raid, there might groups of panicked civilians than may need some encouragement to comply with orders. Generally we see Air Raid Wardens putting out fires and digging trapped people out of rubble, they do carry the title "wardens" which likely comes with some authority.
     
    Otto, Mar 20, 2019
    #2
  3. Quick Bricks

    Quick Bricks New Member

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    Thank you for your reply and information Otto.

    I'll continue to research the markings and return if I find anything to add.

    As far as my Great Grandfather's information goes I did some research and actually found a lot!

    He was part of:
    36th Naval Construction Battalion (1942-1946)

    His rank:
    Machinist's Mate
    1st Class
    (MM1c)

    I found so much I actually found a picture of him, which I am including as well as some additional item photos. His Battalion and rank explain the items well now!

    My Great Grandfather is very top left. ADAM R,L MM1c
    36 NCB MM1C.jpg

    I'm not sure how he got the baton but I'm sure he came across a lot of things.

    Cheers!

    Various shrapnel:
    20190320_203154-a.jpg

    Japanese Type 30 Variation A Bayonet for the Arisaka Rifle:
    20190320_203206-a.jpg

    WW1 era scabbard JEWELL 1918:
    (this fits the bayonet extremely well and came with it on it, I realize it's incorrect)
    20190320_203215-a.jpg

    Free ice cream ticket for Aore island. Expires 1943... rats!
    20190320_203123-a.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 21, 2019
    Quick Bricks, Mar 20, 2019
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    Otto likes this.
  4. Oregon Diver

    Oregon Diver Member

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    Looking at the grain of the wood, I would bet it is hickory, the same stuff they use for baseball bats. Good strong stuff. I will see what I can find on the logo.
     
    Oregon Diver, Mar 21, 2019
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  5. Otto

    Otto Spambot Nemesis Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    A little while back, I was given some feedback on shrapnel vs shell fragments. These are shell fragments.

    Regarding the truncheon, I suspect it will be tougher to ID the item if it wasn't issued to your Great Grandfather, or didn't use it in his duties.

    Really interesting item in the ice cream ticket for Aore island, there cannot be many of those remaining on the planet right now.
     
    Otto, Mar 31, 2019
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  6. Quick Bricks

    Quick Bricks New Member

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    I would not be surprised. It is very solid for sure. I have, to date, unfortunately found nothing on the logo. Cheers

    I called it shrapnel because that is what his commanding Officer called it on the letter allowing him to ship the items home. I've included the picture. The writing in pencil says Bayonet, grenade, shrapnel, seashells. All of the items and then some others where in the box. The grenades are Japanese and are inert. The box is original and has a thick metal plate with the shipping and receiving info hammered into it.

    I am yet to ID the truncheon, but I am including a picture of his Air Raid Warden Certificate. It seems he was in the Battle of Los Angles air raid, the UFO one...

    Yes the Aore Island ice cream ticket seems to be quite rare as the only one I have found online was from an auction a while back on ebay or something.

    Cheers

    items paperwork.jpg air raid warden certificate ww2 battle of los angeles.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2019
    Quick Bricks, Oct 30, 2019
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  7. CAC

    CAC Ace of Spades

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    I seem to remember seeing an air raid warden with a baton - I think in response to looters...However, apart from this picture I haven't found a pic of one with a baton...?

    upload_2019-10-31_13-30-14.jpeg

    Possibly many didn't need one with this little piece of kit...

    [​IMG]

    Used to test bombed rooves and walls for safety...
    8 Objects Used By Air Raid Wardens During The Blitz
     
    CAC, Oct 30, 2019
    #7
  8. chibobber

    chibobber Member

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    Your baton is most likely made of Ash.The M1944 baton has about 10 grooves in the handle and is similar in profile. This maybe an early version. It may also be a police item other than military.
    The M1944 had the Ordnace bomb on the grip end. I do not know if this was always the practice.
     
    chibobber, Oct 31, 2019
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