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.

Before 1935, TN member simply wore a national tricolour rosette. A machine-woven national tricolour rosette was also worn on the 1936 version of the Field Cap.

At an unknown time, the Wehrmacht style oak leaves wreath was introduced to complete the cockade and leaves combination.

Eventually, a laurel wreath replaced the oak leaves. It was introduced on January 25, 1935. The cockade with the laurel wreath was worn on the cap band of the visor cap below the TN national eagle emblem. Higher Leaders had wreaths made from hand-embroidered gold-coloured wire, however gold-coloured metal versions have been used as well. Lower Leaders wore hand-embroidered aluminum wire wreaths. Lower Ranks wore wreaths made of silver-coloured metal.