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.

Career Insignia in the TN were introduced on December 1, 1936. An exception was the Bereitschaftsdienst patch which was only introduced on April 1, 1940. The patches were made of a round black cloth backing with aluminum wire. They show a cogwheel with either letters or a symbol inside. They were worn on the lower left sleeve.

Personnel of the Readiness Service wore the letters “BD”.