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.

Shoulder Boards for the TN were introduced in 1932. Initially only one was worn, on the right shoulder.

The 1943 pattern was effective June 1, 1943. The rank system and its insignia were completely reworked. They corresponded with the ones used by the Schutzpolizei (order police) in case of the shoulder straps, and the ones used by the SS in case of the collar tabs.

The TN shoulder boards are of the same design as the ones used by the police. The main difference is the TN shoulder boards’ black underlay.

Zugwachtmeister der TN wore dark brown braids with an outer aluminum braid having black chevrons, with the outer braid closing at the bottom, and with one pip.