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).

Armbands in the DAF were worn to identify positions, assignments, and functions. They will sometimes have control stamps on them.

The regular NSDAP Armband, worn by all lower ranked members of the DAF, and the Armbands for Political Leaders in the ranks of the DAF, introduced in April 1939, are covered in the Armbands of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP) chapter. More information can be found there.

The Kampfrichter (contest umpire) armband is generally red with black letters and DAF emblem. Variations can be encountered.