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 TeNo Brocade Dress Belt Buckle was introduced on April 1, 1940. It was worn with the dress uniform. Ranks from Chef des TN to Landesführer wore a matte gold-coloured buckle. Ranks from Bezirksführer to Kameradschaftsführer wore a buckle in matte aluminum with polished highlights.

The belt has an aluminum facing with two dark blue horizontal stripes. Usually the backing will have been made of dark blue wool.