Original Item: Only One Available. This is very nice German WWII Luftschutz (Air Raid Protection) Messenger armband (Ärmelbinde), made from what we believe is a machine woven cotton / rayon blend. This pattern of armband is one of several that were used by specialized personnel of the Reichsluftschutzbund, the German air raid defense organization during WWII. The design features a dark blue band with a BeVo style machine embroidered white letter O, which stands for Ordner (event marshal), used by those in charge of organizing various events. The armband measures approximately 13 1/2" x 4", and is sewn together in the back with a French seam. There is no edge stitching, as the badge has woven in closed edges.

Condition of the armband is very good, with some creases and folding, but no major issues. There is a bit of fading on the front, which could be from wear or staining.

Ready to add to your German Armband collection!

History of the RLB

The Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB) (National Air Raid Protection League) was organized by Hermann Göring in 1933 as a voluntary association. Existing volunteer air raid precaution associations were forced to merge with RLB. In 1939 the RLB became a Körperschaft des öffentlichen Rechts (quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization), while in 1944 it became an affiliated organization of the NSDAP Party. It was in charge of educating and training ordinary German men and women in civil defense procedures necessary for the basic level of local self-help of the civil population against air raids. The local level was formed around air raid wardens and operated in small first intervention squads. The training include fire fighting, protection against chemical weapons, communication procedures and preparation of houses and apartments against air raids.