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 TN had so-called Special Employment Sections (besondere Einsatztrupps) that operated outside Germany. On April 1, 1940 a service tunic was introduced for them. It is field-grey and of the Army pattern. It has a five button front closure to the neck. However, tunics with four buttons and open collar are also known to exist. There are four pleated patch pockets, turn-back cuffs, and a blue-green or field-grey collar.

This tunic was gradually phased out with the introduction of the green Schutzpolizei (order police) uniform for TN members, introduced on September 29, 1942.