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 first field cap used by TeNo members was introduced prior to 1932. It is blue and in the style of a yachtman’s cap (Seglermütze), with the TN emblem within a wreath of oak leaves on it in the form of a metal cut-out badge.

A new version was introduced in 1932. It is blue and visorless, with a black TN insignia on a white patch sewn to the lower front turn-up.

The version introduced in 1936 is still a navy blue and visorless cap, but more in the Schiffchen (overseas) form. It features the TN national eagle emblem above a tricolour rosette on the front. There are several different varieties, with low type, mid type, and high hooked type pull-down flaps.
Officers wore aluminum thread piping.

On April 1, 1940 a field-grey version was introduced. It was worn by the Special Employment Sections (besondere Einsatztrupps) operating outside Germany. This version was gradually phased out with the introduction of the green Schutzpolizei (order police) uniform for TN members, introduced on September 29, 1942. Additionally, ranks of Wachtmeister der TN and above wore black piping.