History

Cuff titles could serve several different purposes. They were used as commemorative or traditions insignia, or identifying the wearer as part of an elite unit. They were also used as career/role insignia. Some cuff titles were awarded to soldiers taking part in certain campaigns, making them the equivalent of a campaign medal. These are more accurately known as sleeve bands.

Cuff titles were mostly worn on the right sleeve, however, there were many exceptions to this rule.

This cuff title was introduced on March 12, 1945. It was worn by the units trapped by the Soviet army in the Courland pocket. It is a silver-grey band with the black letters “Kurland” framed by two shields, the one of the Grand Masters of the Teutonic Knights on the left, and the coat of arms of the city of Mitau (Jelgava), representing the Kurland region, on the right, with a black top and bottom stripe. It was worn on the left cuff.