What's going on here?

[Chasing-fireflies]

Hi,

I am wondering if anyone can help me with this photo. I know that in the 3rd row from the bottom, 3rd along is my grt grandfather John Daniel Phillips b. 1888 who served in Egypt and Africa as a teenager. He was awarded numerous medals which I have somewhere along with an old Contemptibles
badge. I have no idea what this photo is though as I am guessing they are all too old to be serving members at the time? Any help would be fantastic, thanks!

[nanny jan]

Hi,

Going by the CD on the pockets I would say they were members of the Civil Defence; possibly pre WW2.

Nanny Jan

[Chasing-fireflies]

Ah volunteer ones? That makes sense, ty!!!!

[John915]

Good evening,

In 1941 the term ARP was phased out and replaced by Civil Defence General Service. The red ARP breast badge was replaced by the yellow CD one shown; http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/homefront/badges/badarpcd.html

So we are probably looking at the good old lads watching out for lights etc.

I had never heard of this before either.

John915

[Chasing-fireflies]

Thanks for that John. Do you think there would be records for them? 

[MaecW]

I'd agree the majority are C.D. but the senior officer with the "scrambled egg" and the Sam Browne belt looks as though he is either military or police, probably the latter going by his boots      His cap badge is some version of the star and crown, which could be one of several police forces or army regiments.  I can't get a clear look but he may have two pips and a crown on his epaulets.
Second out from him on either side are two sergeants with white gloves and what appear to be Prince of Wales feathers above their stripes. Their cap badges are quite large and unlike anybody else in the group. Almost certainly Police.

My guess is this was a training course, probably a Welsh unit.

If somebody can get a better look at the non-CD cap badges they might give a clue.

Maec

[bugle boy]

the officers collar dogs are 3feather plumes , welsh regiment and his are of a volunteer battalion.

[Chasing-fireflies]

Thanks all for the information, it was very helpful