During World War II defensive measures were taken on campus against the possibility of enemy attack, particularly from the air. Shortly after the outbreak of hostilities in Europe, a Civilian Protection Committee was appointed to organize Air Raid Protection (A.R.P.) throughout the province. A.R.P. wardens, who were appointed in all communities, received instruction in handling air raids, chemical warfare and related subjects from faculty members of the University of British Columbia's Chemistry, Physics and English Departments. The outbreak of war in the Pacific in 1941 resulted in heightened concerns on campus about the possibility of a Japanese air attack.