Appendix 3: Home Defences: Chain of Command, September 1939

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

The table below aims at clarity, not comprehensiveness. Accordingly organisations concerned with substantially ‘non-military’ aspects of defence—such as Civil Defence (including Air Raid Precautions), counter-espionage, censorship, propaganda and supply—have been omitted, as have a number of intermediate formations within the framework shown. The chart does not rigidly define relative status as between formations of different services, or belonging to collateral branches of one service.

(1) Under War Office except for operational control.

(2) Assisted by tactical and artillery reconnaissance aircraft administered by Fighter Command through No. 22 (Army Co-operation) Group.

(3) Initiated and cancelled by Fighter Command; warnings and cancellations disseminated through civil channels.