Stafford County Control sub controller 1940 silver ARP badge

A rare Second World War period 'Stafford County Control Sub-Controller's ARP badge', the reverse bearing Birmingham silver hallmarks for 1940 with maker's details "W.J.D" (W.J.Dingley Birmingham). Very good condition, retaining original buttonhole fitting, enamel perfect except for a surface edge flake at 8 o'clock.
Diameter 29mm.

During the war a control room, permanently manned under the direction of the County Controller, was established in County Buildings, Stafford. Its function was to receive reports from local sub-controllers in district / borough councils, and from county sub-controllers of county areas, and to report them to the Regional Civil Defence Commission (No. 9 Midlands Region). It was also responsible for the control and co-ordination of air raid precaution services in an emergency.