History

The Technische Nothilfe (Technical Emergency Help), often abbreviated to TN or TeNo, was founded on September 30, 1919. Its stated purpose was to maintain vital infrastructure and facilities, and protect them during a time of economical and political turmoil. When the economy improved and political tensions became less pronounced during the mid to late 1920s, the TeNo was able to shift its focus to disaster relief, roadside assistance, and general civil defence, including civil air protection. In 1936, the organisation came under the control of the German police as an auxiliary force of the Ordnungspolizei (Order Police). During the war, TeNo units were deployed to virtually all occupied countries and front lines for technical support.

The Freiwilliger Arbeitsdienst (Voluntary Labour Service) Cuff Title was worn by TN members involved with the Volunteer Labour Service (FAD), the precursor of the Reich Labour Service (RAD). It is unclear when exactly it was discontinued, but presumably after the end of the involvement of the TN in the FAD in 1934 at the latest. The cuff title is orange with the black words “Freiwilliger Arbeitsdienst” or the abbreviation “Freiw. Arb. Dienst”.