History

The DAF (Deutsche Arbeitsfront = German Labour Front) was the result of a forced association of all German trade unions, established on May 10, 1933. Its purpose was the coordination and control of all aspects of German labour to serve the interests of the NSDAP. The DAF leader was Reichsleiter Robert Ley.

The Werkscharen (Factory Brigades) of the DAF were the “soldiers” of the organisation, formed in 1934. They were trained and organised as paramilitary, uniformed units, yet remained unarmed. Beginning in April 1937, active Werkschar units (Stoßtrupps) would wear silver-coloured insignia, while administrators wore gold-coloured insignia. Even though Werkscharen were not affiliated with the Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB, National Air Raid Protection League), during the war they often functioned as factory air raid protection auxiliaries.
Some companies, especially major corporations, used additional security personnel, which were dubbed Werkschutz (Factory Protection), and later Werksicherheitsdienst (Factory Security Service).

The Werkschar Oak Leaf Wreath Insignia was introduced in October of 1938. It is approximately 115mm long and 40mm high and was made of lightweight metals, which were either silvered or gilded. The insignia features four oak leaves on each side, held together at the bottom by a small band, and holding in between them a DAF cogwheel symbol with a swastika inside.

For higher ranks, an embroidered form was available, on a dark blue or black cloth backing.