Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service.

Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service. 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922 and 1923.

Instituted. 2nd April 1935.
Rarity – Rare, Rare, Rare, Rare, Rare.
Known Makers – WILHELM FÜHNER.PFORZHEIM, KARL HENSLER PFORZHEIM.

Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service - Dated 1919 - Obverse.

 Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service - Dated 1919 - Reverse.

 The Technical Emergency Service, (Technische Nothilfe-TN or TeNo) was devised and organised by the Weimar government and brought into being on 30th September 1919.  It composed of volunteer technicians and tradesmen who were to be employed to deal with strike emergencies, or the event of a general strike that might threaten Germany in the chaotic constellation of events that were emerging in Germany in this very troubled time.  The organisation continued in this role but, with Hitler's accession to power it became more integrated with the Nazi political troops.  It evolved into a large emergency force complete with a salaried cadre.  In 1937 it was to become absorbed by the police organisations which, in turn, eventually resulted in it being taken over by the SS organisation.  In the end, it virtually became a part of the general, (Allgemeine), SS acting in the capacity of pioneering or engineer units.

In the winter of 1934 a special membership pin was created to recognise the long service of its members but this was inadequate to denote visibly the period of involvement in the organisation.

The Technical Emergency Service - Membership Badge.

The Technical Emergency Service - Membership Badge - Reverse.

Ingenieur Hans Bätcher wearing theTeNo Member's Badge.

The shortcomings of the pin were overcome on 2nd April 1935 by the introduction of the Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service, (Ehrenzeichen der Technischen Nothilfe) and were to be presented to those members who had joined the TeNo between 1919 and 1923, both dates to be inclusive, and who had significantly contributed to the organisation and its aims.  How many of the members were eligible for the award is not known but the total number awarded is presumed to be very small.

Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service - Date 1919.

Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service - Date 1920.

Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service - Date 1921.

Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service - Date 1922.

Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service in wear.

However, in June 1936 SS-Gruppenführer and Police General Weinrich, the leader of the Technical Emergency Service, (TeNo), ordered that the wearing of the Honour Badge should cease and that it would be replaced by a cuff title.  This is a black band which measures 23 mm in width and was worn on the right cuff.  It was to have the date of entry into the organisation, 1919-1923, woven in Gold wire thread, which was to be flanked by a bunch of three laurel leaves.

TENO Cuff title: 1920 and 1922.

 Stellvertretender Reichsführer Erich Hampe wearing the 1919 cuff title.

The growth of importance of the organisation and its new patronage led, in the spring of 1944, to the Honour Badge being authorised again for wear.  It was now to be worn on any uniform, not as it had been formally only on that of the TeNo.  There was even provision for it to be worn on the left lapel of civilian clothes.  It was now accorded the new title of the Loyal Service Badge of the Technical Emergency Service, (Treudienstabzeichen der Technischen Nothilfe).

The Honour Badge measures 48 mm high and 35 mm wide and weighs 14 grams.  It consists of a circular wreath of oak leaves which are slightly concaved with a faint outline of the veins of the leaves showing.  On to the wreath is superimposed a square with its points at 12, 3 6, and 9 o'clock respectively.  This exposes three oak leaves of the wreath on either hand on the two lower sides of the box, while the upper ones expose only half a leaf respectively.  The box has rays emanating from the centre that slightly widen towards the outer edge line and have eight on each side, the largest at each point.  The box is slightly concaved and has superimposed upon it, at the centre, a raised cog wheel that measures 24 mm across and 2 m from the outer edge of the teeth to the inner edge.  The centre of the cog wheel is therefore voided.  Into this is placed the central design of the badge which is raised above the cog wheel and is 1 mm in depth and convexed.  It consists of a brick red enamelled square with raised silver edge line.  Superimposed on to the square, with its arms on to the cog wheel is a black enamelled swastika with raised silver edge line.  The swastika measures 2 mm tip to tip and is fixed at its points to a circle which fits inside the void producing an inner recessed line to the cog wheel.  At the centre of the swastika is a further cog wheel that measures 11 mm across from the tips of the teeth. The rim is 2 mm across and has a capital 'T' at its centre, in the form of a labourer's hammer with, surmounting it, a capital 'N', all of which are finished in silver.  These emblems are the badge of the organisation.

At the top of the badge is a stylised eagle with its feet perched on the outer edge of the cog wheel at 12 o'clock.  The body and legs of the bird run together just leaving the bird's angles and claws separate.  The head is pronounced and facing to the viewer's right, with a large beak and determined hooded eye.  The wing formation is in the down swept rest position, with a bold upper raised fletch line comprising of four small feathers that curve upwards to the wing joint.  The wing is then a solid raised 2 mm line with an inwardly curved end which measures 22 mm from the tip to the top of the joint.  Beneath the upper curved feathers are two rows of slightly larger feathers which are recessed and follow the line of the upper ones, numbering four in each row.  From the outer straight line are three more similar ones with curved tips, which are stepped down in gradients with the area between the inner line of the wing and the body of the eagle, being cut out.  The design is repeated on the opposite hand.  At the base of the wreath and the box is a small curved panel, 3.5 mm high by 10.5 mm long on to which is impressed the date of inception into the organisation of the recipient and can be found with five dates, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922 and 1923. 

The reverse is plain with the raised retaining circle being evident and held into the badge's body by two clench marks, one on either side of the badge at 9 and 3 o'clock respectively.  The upper hinge is of good quality construction, being an 'on its side' type.  The lower hook is the standard 'C' form, while the pin is a broad blade type with horizontal sides.  On to the upper side is stamped in incused capitals is the maker's name, WILHELM FÜHNER.PFORZHEIM or KARL HENSLER PFORZHEIM. However in some later pieces the pin is slightly thinner and devoid of the makers mark. The reverse of the swastika and the red enamelled plaque has usually the inscription Ges Gesch in raised letters, although this is not always the case with badges with a date of 1922 and 1923.  The issue number of the badge is found stamped into the same place in small Arabic numerals.

 Makers Mark - KARL HENSLER PFORZHEIM.

 

 Makers Mark - WILHELM FÜHNER.PFORZHEIM.

 The badge was awarded in a hard presentation case that had a spring catch retaining the lid to the lower part of the box.  The outer lid and base were black simulated leather, while the base was white flock with a white padded silk liner. On the base of the box was a small label with the corresponding Badge number. 

Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service in Case.

  Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service - Case No 163. 

Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service -  No 163.

  SS-Gruppenführer and Police General Weinrich.

 It was accompanied by a citation that measured 300 x 420 mm and had an elaborate type style in four lines, URKUNDE, ber die Verleihung des, EHRENZEICHENS, der TECHNISCHEN NOTHILFE.  Beneath the title of the recipient and the town, a three line inscription followed; Wird mit dem Heutigen Tage das, Ehrenzeichen der Technischen Nothilfe, mit der Jaheszahl 1919 verliehen.  Beneath this is Berlin and the date, under which, in two lines, is der Reichsfhrer der Technischen Nothilfe followed by the awarding officer's signature.  On the left side, at the bottom, is a line drawing of the badge with the date 1919.  The citation was altered for each of the years that were represented.  It is also possible to find diverse versions of the award citation with all the awards.

Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service  Citation - Date 1919.

Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service  Citation - Date 1920.

Honour Badge of the Technical Emergency Service – Holders.

Name	First Name	Location	Badge Date	Badge No	Award Date
Schollmeyer	Albert	Berlin - Friedenau	1919	5016	30.04.1936
Mensdorf	Lothar Dr.	Leipzig	1920	2668	30.01.1936
Schmitz	Rudolf	Braunschweig	1920	2272	30.01.1936
Heß	Konrad	München	1920	1638	01.10.1935
Schertel	O. H.		1923	3288
Lehner	Albert, Dr	München	1922	3115

Honour and Loyalty Badge.

Honour and Loyalty Badge.

Known Makers - Always Unmarked.

Instituted -. June 1944.

Rarity - Extremely Rare.

 

Honour and Loyalty Badge - Obverse.

 

Honour and Loyalty Badge - Obverse.

This badge is finely struck in bronze and comprises of a broad, double edged sword with straight quillions with gently sloping upper edges.  The handle has a diagonally twisted grip and a triangular pommel.  Superimposed over the blade is the circular badge of the VNV.  The badge of the VNV itself is a triangle within a circle, which symbolises the three rivers bordering Flanders, the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt.  The circle enclosing the triangle stands for unity within this delta.  Around this is an open topped wreath of oak leaves with five single leaves on either side, placed tip over stalk.  At the base is a ribbon that is formed straight with two folds, one at either end.  On to this, in raised capital letters, is the inscription, 'EER EN TROUW', which translates to, Honour and Loyalty.  The sword measures 55 mm from the tip to the top of the pommel and the wreath measures 35 mm across.  The circle measures 25 mm across and 4 mm wide. 

The reverse is plain, save for two metal loops similar to those found on British cap badges, one at the top of the sword and one near the hilt and through these is placed a brass clip to hold the badge to the tunic.

The Honour and Loyalty Badge was instituted in June 1944 and was intended to reward special acts of courage at home or at the front.    The badge could be worn on the left breast pocket of the VNV and Waffen-SS uniform.  For those killed in the course of military action or by the resistance forces in Belgium, the badge was awarded mounted on a commemorative plaque.

 Fake Awards.

 

 

Honour and Loyalty Badge - Obverse - Fake.

 

 

Honour and Loyalty Badge - Reverse - Fake.

 

VNV Golden Party Badge.

VNV Golden Party Badge.

Bronze, Silver, Gold.

Known Makers - L.VAN DER MEULEN.

 

Rarity – Extremely Rare, Extremely Rare, Extremely Rare. 

The badge is circular and measures 22mm, with an outer edge of finely engraved raised laurel leaves, which measure 2mm. These were Bronze, Silver and Gold to represent the grade. It has a 16mm raised central enamelled panel which comprises an orange circle with inside it a blue delta outlined in gold on a white background with a blue circle narrowly outlined in gold. 

The reverse is flat with round the upper edge in raised letters in two lines, L.VAN DER MEULEN – MECHELEN, KATHELüNESTR. 89. Centrally at the bottom is a pellet with a bar to each side. Beneath this very neatly punched is the issue number of the badge. The pin is horizontal and of the safety pin type secured by a small round plate.

This badge was awarded in bronze for 5 years service, silver for 10 years service and in gold for 15 years service.

 

Leader of the N.S.J.V., Dr. Lehembre wearing VNV Golden Party Badge.

 

Tollenaere Commemorative Badge

Tollenaere Commemorative Badge - Bronze and Silver.

Known Makers - Unmarked

Rarity – Rare, Extremely Rare.

Tollenaere Commemorative Badge bronze.

Tollenaere Commemorative Badge bronze - reverse.

Tollenaere Commemorative Badge- Silver. 

Tollenaere Commemorative Badge Silver - Reverse.

This badge is in bronze and silver and measures 53mm high and 36mm wide and comprises of a circle onto which in raised capital letters is the inscription, AAN R. TOLLENAERE broken by a five pointed leave KOPZY JAN. 1942. A broad double-edged sword bisects the upper part of the circle and the pommel is in the form of the badge of the VNV. The Wolf Hook, the emblem of the “Black Brigade” lies across the circle and sword. It has three leaves at the top left and two in the circles void. On the transverse of the Wolf Hook on an oblong box are the raised letters TROUW, which translates to Loyalty.

The reverse shows the impression of the obverse and has two eyelets one at the top and the other at the bottom of the badge through which is placed a split bar to hold it to the uniform. The badge was worn on the left breast pocket and was authorised to be worn on German uniforms.

The badge is correctly known as the “Tollenaere Kenteeken” but more commonly referred to as either the “Trouw” or the “Kopzy” badge. Reimond Tollenaere fell at Kopzy, near Leningrad on 22 January 1942. He was the popular commander of the VNV’s uniformed militia, the “Black Brigade” and been one of the first to volunteer for service with the Flemish Legion.  The leadership of the VNV instituted the award to commemorate his “hero’s death” and to reward loyalty and sacrifice of its members.

Tollenaere Commemorative Badge Citation.

 A member of the Flemish Legion wearing the Tollenaere Badge.

SS-Sturmbannführer von Lettow – Vorbeck  presenting the award.

Vorbeck was just long enough on the eastern front as commander of the Flemish Legion to decorate his men with the Tollenaere Commemorative Badge, June 1942.

Tollenaere Commemorative Badge in wear.

 

Das Reich Member with Tollenaere Commemorative Badge - Silver.

Boven Franz.

First chief of the Dietsche Militie (D.M.; uniformed militia of the V.N.V, which included the elite D.M.-Z.B. [Dietsche Militie - Zwarte Brigade / Black Brigade]):

Tollenaere , Dr. Reimond - SS-Untersturmführer.

29 June1909  - 22 January1942 KIA.

Born: 29. June 1909 in Oostakker / Flanders.
Killed in Action: 22. January 1942 at Koptsy near Leningrad (accidentally killed by an artillery barrage from the 250.(Spanish)Infanterie-Division of the German Army during an inspection of the Flemish Legion's forward lines; buried at Podbyeryezhve, Russia).
Promotions:
SS-Untersturmführer: September 1941
Career:
Assigned to 2.Kompanie / Legion Flandern: end of September 1941 - 22. January 1942.
Officer training at Lauenberg / Pommern: August 1941 - end of September 1941.
Volunteered for Waffen-SS service: 17. July 1941.
Arrested by the Belgian authorities: 10. May 1940; liberated by German troops: 21. June 1940.
First chief of the Dietsche Militie (D.M.; uniformed militia of the V.N.V, which included the elite D.M.-Z.B. [Dietsche Militie - Zwarte Brigade / Black Brigade]): ____ - 22. January 1942 (succeeded by Joris van Steenlandt)
Elected people's representant: 1936.
Algemeen Propagandaleider (general propaganda leader) of the V.N.V.: 1933.
In Germany: 1931 - 1932.
Studied law at the R.U.G. (University of Ghent): 1928 - 1934.
Decorations & Awards:
Notes:
* Following his death, Reimond Tollenaere's younger brother, Leo, volunteered to served in the Flemish Legion of the Waffen-SS.
* Married with three children.
* Staunch anti-communuist - devoted National-Socialist, expressed strong hatred for the Belgian state.
* The Z.B. [Zwarte Brigade - Black Brigade] was founded in 1933 by the V.N.V. to secure party rallies.

Grave at Podbyeryezhve, Russia.

 Staf de Clerq decorates Joris van Steenland.



Steenland Joris Van.

 2nd February 1899 - 2nd February 1972.

He was born in the village Sint-Joris-aan-de-IJzer. During the First World War he was a soldier and after wards became member of the 'Verbond der Vlaams oud-strijders VOS' Flemish old-soldiers organisation. In 1920 he was a teacher at the village of Gistel. In 1925 he became politically active within the 'Frontpartij' and in 1925 in the ‘Katholiek Vlaamsch Nationaal Verbond ' Catholic Flemish National Alliance. In 1928 he started a shoe factory but with the crisis of 1935 it went bankrupt. In 1932 he became a member of the village council of Gistel and a member of the West-Flemish Province Council. In 1933 he became a member of the VNV 'Vlaams Nationaal Verbond' Flemisch National Alliance. 1935 saw him become the representative of the party in the region Veurne-Oostende-Diksmuide. In 1936 he was elected for the Vlaamsch Nationaal Blok (VNB) Flemisch National Blok at the Province Council. In 1939 went another member for that region Jeroom Leuridan was elevated to the Senate, Joris took his seat in the Chamber.

After raising the Militia DM/ZB in May 1941 Joris van Steenland became Adjunct-Commandant-Generaal (nr 2) In August 1941 went Reimond Tollenaere joined the Flemish Legion on the Eastern Front Joris van Steenland became acting leader of the Militia. In 1942 after Reimond Tollenaere death on the Russian Front he became the leader of the Militia, he was very active in recruit the Flemish into the Waffen SS, and the other paramilitary formations. In January 1943 he visited Flemish members of the NSKK in Russia. He also played a role in the anti-partisan actions against the resistance in 1944. In September 1944 he fled to Germany where he played an important role in the VNV movement which had fled to Germany. For his part in collaboration with the Germans, he was tried in 1946 and was given the death penalty. In 1947 this was confirmed by the court-martial. In 1949 his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment but in 1951 he was released from of prison. After this he played no part in political life. He died on 2nd Febuary1972, at Aalst.

The Leader of the Flemish D.M. Joris van Steenlanlandt  awards the Tollenaere Badge to a wounded Flemish Legion SS-Unterscharführer.

 Staf Rits at the funeral of Staf de Clerq.

Tollenaere Commemorative Badge.

 RECIPIENTS.

NAME	FIRST   NAME	RANK	Party  Number	SS  Number
Stappen	Paul van Der	SS-Oberschutze – Pionnier
Schrynen	Remy	SS-Unterscharführer der Reserve
Vinck	Herman	SS – Sturmmann
Boven	Frans
Kimpe	Karel
Jambé	Constant
Matthijs	Albert	SS-Unterscharführer
Rits	Staf
Dreesen	Armand
Tollenaere	Leo	SS-Unterscharführer
Dyck	Jos Van	SS-Unterscharführer
Velde	Jozef Van de
Carpentier	Marc	SS-Unterscharführer
Vergauwen	Frans	SS-Unterscharführer
Elst	Willy Van der
Beerten	Marcel
Dekeerle	Robert

Copy Variation Badge.


Tollenaere Commemorative Badge - Bronze with Copy Variation .

This is an interesting Badge. It is considered to be a Fake and is widely available in Belgium. However from study of the badge it seems that there are three distinct dies that have been employed in the manufacture. This is illustrated by the three reverse pictures shown. The hook on Badge - 3 - Reverse is different to that employed on the other two examples Also the badge is considerably smaller than the known originals.

The Height 48.67 mm.
The Width 33.20 mm.
The Weight 8. gr.

This leads to two questions, why would the faker make the award a different size and secondly why three different dies. So the conclusion could be drawn, as these pieces have been available since the mid 60's, that they could be legitimate pieces that were constructed for the greater bestowal that would have been inevitable if the War had continued and if the outcome had be different.

Tollenaere Commemorative Badge - Bronze - Copy Variation Badge - 1 - Obverse.

Tollenaere Commemorative Badge - Bronze - Copy Variation Badge - 2 - Obverse

Tollenaere Commemorative Badge - Bronze - Copy Variation Badge - 3 - Obverse.

Tollenaere Commemorative Badge - Bronze - Copy Variation Badge - 1 - Reverse.

Tollenaere Commemorative Badge - Bronze - Copy Variation Badge - 2 - Reverse.

Tollenaere Commemorative Badge - Bronze - Copy Variation Badge - 3 - Reverse.