History

Armbands were usually used to identify a soldier’s special duty position or function. It would normally only be worn in the carrying out of said duty or function. It could also be used to identify a civilian as an official employee of the army.

Most armbands were worn on the left upper sleeve, but there were exceptions to this rule.

Medical Personnel wore a white armband with a red cross. There usually is an ink stamp of the issuing unit as well. This armband was supposed to be worn on the right upper sleeve, but it was also frequently worn on the left.

There is also a version with a violet cross, which was worn by Wehrmacht Chaplains (Heeresgeistliche).