Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is lovely set of two German WWII Luftschutz (Air Defense) armbands, illustrating the wide variety of functions that the paramilitary organization served during the war.

The first armband in this set is a German WWII Luftschutz (Air Defense) NSDAP Printed Cotton Armband, complete with an original red depot stamp! It is made from lightweight canvas, and is printed green on the front side, reading Luftschutz NSDAP. The Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB) (National Air Raid Protection League) went through changes during the NSDAP period, and after 1944, was made a part of the party, so this is most likely from the late war period. The red depot stamp would indicate where it was issued, however we are unable to read it. The armband measures approximately 17 1/2" x 4 1/2", and is sewn together in the back.

This is only the second example of this type that we have had, and they seem to be relatively hard to find compared to the earlier models, probably because they were in production for only a year. There is a bit of light staining, but it is still a very nice example, and ready to display.

The second armband in the set is a Sicherheits-und Hilfsdienst (Security and Assistance Service) Armband, a great example of a scarce armband. The Sicherheits und Hilfsdienst (SHD) was a Luftschutz auxiliary police organization tasked with maintaining order and assisting German civilians during and after air raids in German cities and towns. This Sicherheits und Hilfsdienst Armband is the printed type, with the wording Sicherheits-u. Hilfsdienst in white Gothic lettering, on a green cotton cloth background. This Sicherheits und Hilfsdienst Armband shows some age toning as well as staining but remains in great condition overall. It is sewn together in the back, and measures approximately 14 1/4” x 4 1/8”. 

A great set of Luftschutz armbands, ready to research and display!

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.