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 so-called Swallows Nests for the TN, half-circle patches worn on the sides of the shoulders, were introduced on December 1, 1936. Spielmänner (fife and drum musicians) wore dark blue Swallows Nests with white cloth braid. Spielmannzugführer (fife and drum leaders) wore dark blue Swallows Nests with aluminum braid and fringe. Bandsmen wore them in dark blue with aluminum braid.