History

The Technische Nothilfe (Technical Emergency Help), often abbreviated to TN or TeNo, was founded on September 30, 1919. Its stated purpose was to maintain vital infrastructure and facilities, and protect them during a time of economical and political turmoil. When the economy improved and political tensions became less pronounced during the mid to late 1920s, the TeNo was able to shift its focus to disaster relief, roadside assistance, and general civil defence, including civil air protection. In 1936, the organisation came under the control of the German police as an auxiliary force of the Ordnungspolizei (Order Police). During the war, TeNo units were deployed to virtually all occupied countries and front lines for technical support.

The headgear insignia featuring the TeNo eagle emblem was introduced on January 25, 1935. The national eagle sits on top of a swastika with the superimposed TN emblem, a hammer, serving as a “T”, and an “N” inside a cogwheel. The eagle’s head faces to the viewer's right.

The initial emblem was a nickel version with a cut-out swastika. However, it was soon replaced by an aluminum version which was stamped in such a way that the eagle has a “hood”, and the swastika is not cut-out.

Higher Leaders wore either a hand-embroidered gold-coloured wire version or a gold-coloured metal version.
Lower Leaders wore either a hand-embroidered version made from aluminum wire or a silver-coloured metal version.