History

Following the First World War, the German Red Cross (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz, DRK) was threatened in its existence by the Treaty of Versailles, since the organisation was mainly focused on preparing its members for war and military-related medical service. This resulted in the DRK switching focus to social welfare activities during the time of the Weimar Republic.

The stipulations enforced by the Treaty of Versailles were declared null and void following the NSDAP’s consolidation of power in 1933. The new Reich Minister of the Interior, Wilhelm Frick, an NSDAP member, ensured that the DRK would be ready to support all of the Third Reich’s future military affairs and political ideologies. In 1938, the DRK was merged with the Ministry of the Interior’s Social Welfare Organisation, officially becoming an organisation under NSDAP oversight. The DRK also had ties to the SS, mainly due to high-ranking medical professionals serving in both organisations simultaneously.

The design of the Third Reich DRK insignia was initially based upon the uniforms used during the First World War and the Weimar Republic, but substantial uniform changes were implemented in September 1935.

There were two distinct uniform types for females, the Women’s Uniforms of the German Red Cross (the professional female DRK cadre) and Uniforms of DRK Nurses. Rank in the professional cadre was displayed by means of four-sided star rank pips attached to both collars, as well as oak leaves for the two highest ranks.

Female DRK members used a skirt rather than trousers. It is dark grey with a concealed front pocket on each side.

As a wartime garment, DRK nurses wore a skirt that was pleated at the front and open about halfway from the hem to the waist. It had five buttons each on the left and right front.

When wearing a uniform that included an over-blouse, as a wartime garment, DRK nurses wore a grey skirt that was buttoned from waist to hem on the left side.