Original Item: Only One Available. This is very nice German WWII Luftschutz (Air Raid Protection) Radio Operator armband (Ärmelbinde), made from what we believe is cotton. 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 circular sewn on BeVo style machine embroidered "Latin" font letter F, which stands for funker (radio operator), and was intended for wear by members responsible for running the radio and other communications. Earlier examples had used a "Roman" style serif font. The armband measures approximately 15 1/4" x 4 3/8", and is sewn together in the back.

Inside of the armband, there is actually a Waschvorschrift (Washing Instructions) label, detailing the care of the armband, which is marked R. Z. M. 374 at the bottom, meaning that it was officially issued by the National Quartermaster office.

The armband is in excellent unissued condition, with no signs of use or having been attached to any type of uniform. There is just a bit of staining and age related wear. This is the first example of one of these armbands that we have had, and they seem to be some what rare.

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.