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.

Shoulder Boards for the TN were introduced in 1932. Initially only one was worn, on the right shoulder.

The rank of Obervormann was introduced on April 1, 1940. They wore black shoulder straps with pointed ends, with aluminum/black wire cord piping and two silver-coloured bars with two black stripes on the bottom.