History

Prior to the Second World War, the German Foreign Ministry was heavily involved in the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland. During the war, some conquered territory, especially in Poland, was incorporated into the German Reich, while other territory was merely occupied. These countries, while officially still independent, were in reality administered by German officials, and in some cases also German-approved puppet governments.

The General Government was the name given to the part of German-occupied Poland that wasn’t incorporated into the territory of the German Reich. It was established after the successful attack on Poland that inaugurated the Second World War. Former Bavarian Minister of Justice, Reichsleiter Hans Frank, was appointed Governor General on October 26, 1939. The General Government was administered as a separate entity by the German occupants, creating the need for specific uniforms and insignia to be worn by the administrators.

The Baudienst (Construction Service) was established on the order of Governor General Frank on December 12, 1940. It was tasked with clearing and repairing the damage caused by the German invasion. The Baudienst was restricted to the General Government. It was loosely modelled on the National Labour Service (RAD) and made up of Polish citizens between the ages of 18 and 65, who had to serve a compulsory work term.

The “Ost” cuff title was worn by temporary officials assigned to the eastern occupied territories including the General Government, to distinguish them from regular officials, since the temporarily assigned officials kept wearing their navy blue uniform. It was worn on the lower left sleeve.

It features the word “Ost” (east), as well as a top and bottom border in the colour of the wearer’s rank group, either silver-coloured or gold-coloured. The base colour is usually the same as the one of the uniform.