A.R.P.

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 132, 1 December 1938, Page 15

A.R.P.

PORT OF LONDON'S WORK

Among the many air-raid precaution measures taken by the Port of London Authority has been the formation of a River Emergency Service. Volunteers were recruited from among owners of river craft and riverside workers in sufficient numbers to put the scheme into operation on October 1 had the necessity arisen. Details of the organisation have been reconsidered in the light of experience and proposals to meet possible future requirements were explained at a meeting presided over by Mr. Sidney Clough, and held recently at the headquarters of the Yacht and Motor-boat Association. Rear-Admiral R. W. Oldham, 0.8. E., Air Raids Precautions Officer of the Port of London Authority, was the principal speaker. He stressed the importance of the River Thames as a highway for many emergency services in time of war. The authority's scheme was designed, he said, to cover rescue work, firefighting, repair parties, decontamination work, end the maintenance of communications between headquarters and shipping, the docks and key points of the many important business associations on the river. Twenty-four stations on the river have been selected as bases for the services which require a minimum complement of about 400 men. Men experienced in handling motor-boats or with knowledge'of first-aid or signalling are still required and volunteers will be trained in anti-gas measures and first aid if desired. Numerous craft have been made available but more speed boats and motor cabin cruisers are needed. ■ • Admiral Oldham paid tribute to the many volunteers who have already offered their services and expressed the Port Authority's appreciation of the valuable co-operation of various associations. He instanced the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the RIJ-XS (Auxiliary Patrol) Club, the Little Ship Club, and finally tendered his thank's.to the Yacht and Motofr-boat Association for their valuable help, particularly in sponsoring the meeting.