Turn back the clocks to 1949, the year the Civilian Defence Corps (CDC) was formed.

The Second World War might have finished but the onset of the Cold War created tension that filtered down from international relations and global leaders to permeate British society.

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Civil Defence Corps volunteers on the return match from an exercise on March 25, 1961.The Norwich Civil Defence Corps volunteers on the return match from an exercise on March 25, 1961. (Image: Newsquest)

In this context, citizens around the country prepared to act should the worst come to the worst and a national emergency unfold.

And today we are looking back at old photos from our archives of these selfless people who served in the Norwich branch of the CDC.

Eastern Daily Press: A Norwich Civil Defence Corps demonstration with G. A. Austen and a Minuteman resuscitator. Date: September 23, 1963.A Norwich Civil Defence Corps demonstration with G. A. Austen and a Minuteman resuscitator. Date: September 23, 1963. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: A model sporting the Civil Defence Corps uniform and gas mask with a Miss Gidney looking on. Date: September 4, 1974.A model sporting the Civil Defence Corps uniform and gas mask with a Miss Gidney looking on. Date: September 4, 1974. (Image: Newsquest)

The CDC was a volunteer organisation established so a homefront force was on standby to mobilise should disaster strike.

It sat under the authority of the Home Office, but it was locally administered by Corps Authorities. 

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Civil Defence Corps volunteers team at the Royal Norfolk Show. Date: July 7, 1961.Norwich Civil Defence Corps volunteers team at the Royal Norfolk Show. Date: July 7, 1961. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Civil Defence Corps training exercise for Norwich volunteers on March 25, 1961.Civil Defence Corps training exercise for Norwich volunteers on March 25, 1961. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: A new ambulance for the Norwich Civilian Defence Corps on April 14, 1962.A new ambulance for the Norwich Civilian Defence Corps on April 14, 1962. (Image: Newsquest)

Were you or any of your nearest and dearest members of the CDC? 

Can you remember seeing their volunteers at work? 

Let us know in the comments below.

For more old photos and articles about Norfolk history and heritage, subscribe to our fortnightly Through the Decades email newsletter. Sign up by clicking here.  

Eastern Daily Press: The Civil Defence Officer for Norwich, Mr.E.E. Alley, welcoming volunteers to a weekend course for training local instructors at Norwich Civil Defence Headquarters. The course was organised by the Assistant Civil Defence Officer, Mr. George Austen (front row in uniform). Date: October 1962. The Civil Defence Officer for Norwich, Mr.E.E. Alley, welcoming volunteers to a weekend course for training local instructors at Norwich Civil Defence Headquarters. The course was organised by the Assistant Civil Defence Officer, Mr. George Austen (front row in uniform). Date: October 1962. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Civil Defence Corps training in February 1959. Norwich Civil Defence Corps training in February 1959. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Civil Defence Corps volunteers in February 1959Norwich Civil Defence Corps volunteers in February 1959 (Image: Newsquest)