Monday, July 11, 2016

Revised Edition Now Available!

 
Discovered four months before her passing, Gertrude Kerschner's remarkable journal is fast becoming recognized by historians and museum curators alike. "Through Innocent Eyes" is a powerful reminder that there are two sides to history, which in the wake of the horrors of war there is a humane side to building one's personal character. In 1938, ten-year-old Austrian born Gertrude begins her indoctrination into the League of German Girls. By the time she is thirteen, Gertrude, along with her comrades, are specifically chosen by the Reich's Ministry of Science, Education, and Culture to participate in the elite rural educational program entitled Landjahr Lager (Country Service Year Camp). For eight months, the educational curriculum focuses on building the girls' full individual potential to becoming productive members of society. In her journal, Gertrude Kerschner records her vivid memories of her experiences during Country Service Year Camp in Seidorf, Niederschlesien. Thoughtful, moving, and entertaining, Gertrude's personal accounts will dispel many misconceptions and skewed perspectives of the League of German Girls.
 
 
This edition is now available in the United States and Europe.

 

Providence Place Retirement Community - Drums, PA - Author Presentation and Book Signing Event

August 23, 2016 - 10:00 am
 
Providence Place Retirement Community of Drums
149 South Hunter Highway
(Route 309)
Drums, Pennsylvania 18222
570-788-7555
570-708-1673 (fax)
Ann Marie Pfeil, RN, Executive Director
Stephanie Miller, Senior Living Counselor
Or, please call and reserve your seats today!
This is a free event!

D-Day Conneaut, Ohio - Book Signing Event/Author Meet & Greet

August 19 - 20, 2016 - Book Presentation & Author Meet & Greet
Conneaut Public Library
304 Buffalo Street.
Conneaut, Ohio 44030
440-593-1608

Dates/Time:

Friday - August 19, 2016 - Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Saturday - August 20, 2016 - Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm

There will be a 20 minute book presentation followed by book signing.
FREE EVENT!
Autograph copies of the book will be available for $25 after the presentation.

Register here: https://www.facebook.com/events/262943037411527/

Watch the book trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP8bzuMf1Ew

Watch Gertrude's Life Story here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I_UDTWsaD8

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Sun 'n Fun - Lakeland, Fl

Looking forward to an exciting time at this year's Sun 'n Fun 2016 in Lakeland, Florida! I will be located in the "Ladies of the '40's" tent and that is where I will be autographing my book "Through Innocent Eyes - The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth."

For more information about the show:

Lakeland Regional Airport
4175 Medulla Rd
Lakeland, FL 33811
Phone: 863-644-2431
Website: http://www.sun-n-fun.org/contact-2/


 

Monday, January 18, 2016

2016 - Military Shows


January 2016
Jan. 15 – 17, 2016, Nevada, MO
BATTLE OF THE BULGE
Camp Clark, Nevada, MO
Contact: Dave Hruska – dhruska1944@gmail.com
 
Jan 23 - Jan 24 2016 - Brooklyn Park, MN 
Gun, Knife, and Military Show
Brooklyn Park Armory
5500 – 85th Ave N
12781 Able Street NE, Blaine, MN 55434,
Sat 9-5, Sun 9-3.
Crocodile Productions, Inc.
Phone: 763-754-7140
 
Jan 23 - Jan 24 2016 Albany, NY
New York State Arms Collectors Show
Empire State Plaza Convention Center
Contact info: Sandy Ackerman, 607.748.1010 - See more at:

Jan 23 - Jan 24 2016 Lake Worth, FL
Gun and Militaria Show
Scottish Rite Masonic Ctr,
2000 North D. St. Info: Palm Beach Arms Collectors, 561.790.4643 - See more at: http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf


Jan 27 – Jan 31, 2016 – Ft. Indiantown GAP
Battle of the Bulge Living History Commemoration
By Invitation Only
http://www.wwiiha.org/new/index.php/fig

Jan 29 - Jan 30 2016  - Toledo (Perrysburg), OH 
Military Collectibles Show and Sale
Graystone K of C Hall 29101 Hufford Rd.. Info: 586 549 3150; www.michmilitaryhistory.com
See more at:

Jan. 30, 2016 – Tiff, MO  63674
RECONNAISSANCE OR MONTE LA DIFENSA
A WINTER HIKE
Camp Siman, 10135 Oakland, Tiff, MO 63674
Contact: Gary Adkiins papajoad@20thcenturygi.com
Website: http://campsimanevents.webs.com
For Facebook: Click Here

 
February 2016

February 5 - 7, 2016 - St. Charles, Ill
Military History Fest
Pheasant Run Resort ted at
4051 East Main Street,
St. Charles, Illinois 60174

Feb 6 - Feb 7 2016 -   Vero Beach, FL              
2nd Annual Military History Expo in conjunction with 7th Annual Gun Show.
Indian River County Fairgrounds. Vehicle best in class cash prizes judged by the public. Cash prizes for ugliest vehicle. Military surplus & retail vendor space available. Info: Patriot Productions, P.O. Box 1403 Roseland, FL 32957; 866-611-0442; www.MilitaryHistoryExpo.com - See more at: http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

Feb 6 - Feb 7 2016 - Foxboro, MA, 
Militaria & Gun / Knife Show / Sale                       
Washington St., Route 1,
Sat 9-5, Sun 9-3. just blocks from the Patriots’ Stadium.
General info: 508.668.7200
Dealer infl: 914.248.1000; www.northeastgunshows.com
See more at:
http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

Feb 6 - Feb 7 2016 -   Novi, MI
Michigan Antique Arms Show, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave.
Contact info: President G. Christmann,43684 Columbia Drive, Clinton Twp. MI 48038; 586-286-3905; www.michiganantiquearms.com

Feb 13 - Feb 14 2016 - Maitland, FL               
Winter Military Relics Show. Bahia Shrine Auditorium, 2300 Pembrook Rd.,
Time: 9-5. From I-4, take Maitland Blvd. (Exit #90) West to 2nd traffic light (Keller Rd.). Turn left, then immediately right onto Pembroke Dr., hall is 1/2 mile down on left.
Contact Jon Jacabus (954) 772-6226 Ricky Marquette (305) 972-5271

Feb 13 - Feb 14 2016 - Greenville, TX
Gun and Militaria Show
The Fletcher Warren Civic Center
5501 U.S. Hwy 69 South, Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum, (903) 450-4502.

Feb 18 - Feb 21 2016 - Louisville, KY
24th Annual Shows of Shows. Kentucky Fair Expo Center (South Wing C),
I-264: Exit 11, I-65: Exit 131-B. Ohio Valley Military Society. The Ohio Valley Military Society, Inc, PO Box 30436, Cincinnati, OH, 45230-0436. 513.245.9540; ovms@fuse.net www.sosovms.com

Feb. 19 – 21, 2016 – Tiff, MO  63674
THE CHAMPAGNE CAMPAIGN
ASSAULTING THE VAR RIVER LINE, A WW II TACTICAL
Camp Siman, 10135 Oakland, Tiff, MO 63674
Contact: Gary Adkins (papajoad@20thcenturygi.com)
Website:
CAMP SIMAN EVENTS

https://www.facebook.com/events/466147833566800/

Feb 26 – 28, 2016 – Marseilles, IL  61341
ENCIRCLEMENT OF BERLIN
Marseilles Training Center 1700 Army Rd, Marseilles, IL 61341
Contact: Frank DeBartolo (150kommisar@gmail.com)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BFU2015

Feb. 26 – 27, 2016 – Ackworth, Iowa 50001
WW2 EAST MEETS WEST WINTER TACTICAL
PRO MOVIE FILM SHOOT
20th ANNUAL IOWA WW2 FEBRUARY TACTICAL EVENT
22251 HAMILTON STREET ACKWORTH IOWA 50001
Contact: Scott Steben at : badsteben666@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.12sspanzermw.com


March 2016


March 5 – March 6, 2016 – Bushnell, FL
WWII Commemorative Weekend
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
Bushnell, FL  33513

Mar 5 - Mar 6 2016 - West Springfield, MA
Militaria & Gun / Knife Show / Sale
Eastern States Exposition, Home of the Big “E”, 1305 Memorial Ave. Gen.

Mar 5 2016 - Lockport, IL
Midwest Militaria Show, American Legion Post #18,
Rte. 171 & 151, 9 am.-3 p.m. Info: 815.641.6411 or 708.598.4156 - See more at:
 http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

Mar 12 - Mar 13 2016 Wilmington, MA,
Militaria & Gun / Knife Show / Sale. Wilmington Shriner's Auditorium, 99 Fordham Rd., Rte 95 (Old Rte. 128 to Rte 93 North, Exit 39, go right, take 1st left. Go to end). www.northeastgunshows.com -
See more at:

Mar 13 2016 - Glendale Heights, IL
Glendale Heights Militaria Collectibles Show, The Armada Inn and Suites (formerly The Ramada Inn and Suites), 780 E North Ave., 1/2 mile west of I-355 Info: Military Promotions, LLC. Military Promotions LLC. Jeff Stone, PH: 708- 558-0587. chgomilitaryshow@aol.com www.militarypromotions.info -
See more at:
http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

March 18 – 20, 2016
WELDONKRIEG 2016 (WESTERN FRONT EVENT)
Weldon Springs Training Area (WSTA), 7301 Hwy 94 South, St. Charles, MO
Website: http://soldierboy440.wix.com/weldonkriegofficial

Mar 19 2016 - Wyoming, MI
Grand Rapids Area 2016 Annual Military Show, Knights of Columbus 5830 Clyde Park, Info: Martin Super, 269-214-2797; martinsuper@yahoo.com www.supermilitariashows.com - See more at: http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

Mar 25 - Mar 26 2016 - Kirtland, OH
Militaria Collectors Show, Lakeland Community College Athletic & Fitness Center Auxiliary Gym, (Rt 306 and I-90 exit 193). Presented by the Lakeland Community College Police Department . Contact Dean Becker at 440-525-7241 dbecker@lakelandcc.edu www.lakelandmilitaryshow.info - See more at: http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

Mar 25 - Mar 26 2016 Franklin, TN
Tennessee Military Collectors Association Militaria Relics Show. Franklin Marriott Hotel, Cool Springs, 700 Cool Springs Blvd., 700 Cool Springs Blvd., 12 miles south of Nashville on I-65, exit 68-A. Info: Ronnie Townes, 615.661.9379; TMCA, P.O. Box 1006, Brentwood, TN 37024 tmca@comcast.net www.TMCAonline.org - See more at: http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

Mar 26 2016 - Eagan, MN
27th Annual Heritage Arms Society’s Antique Arms Collectors Show. Eagan Civic Arena, 3830 Pilot Knob Road, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m Heritage Arms Society, P. O. Box 20532, Bloomington, MN 55420; 952-888-1079 (evenings) - See more at:
http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

April 2016

Apr 9 2016 - Mt. Dora, FL,
Florida Antique Military Show, Renninger’s Antique Center and Flea Market, 20651 US-441407, 9:00am-4:30pm, Info: (407) 462-2163 - See more at:
http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

Apr 9 - Apr 10 2016 - Wichita, KS,
Wichita Military Guns & Collectibles Show, Cessna Activity Center; 2744 S. George Washington Blvd. Info Contact: Shawn @ 316-210-3255 - See more at: http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

Apr 16 - Apr 17 2016 -  Syracuse, NY 
New York State Arms Collectors Show, State Fairgrounds Expo Center. info: Sandy Ackerman, 607.748.1010 - See more at:
http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

April 22 - Apr 24 2016 - Northlake, IL
The Chicago Military Collectibles Show. Midwest Conference Center (located at Concord Plaza), 401 W Lake St., info: Military Promotions, LLC. Military Promotions LLC. Jeff Stone, PH: 708- 558-0587. chgomilitaryshow@aol.com www.militarypromotions.info - See more at: http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

Apr 23 - Apr 24 2016 - Novi, MI
Michigan Antique Arms Show, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. Info: President G. Christmann,43684 Columbia Drive, Clinton Twp. MI 48038; 586-286-3905; www.michiganantiquearms.com

Apr 30 - May 1 2016 - Chaska, MN
Gun, Knife, and Military Show. Champlin Ice Arena, 12165 Ensign Ave N., Sat 9-5, Sun 9-3. Crocodile Productions, Inc. 12781 Able Street NE, Blaine, MN 55434, 763-754-7140, crocodile1@comcast.net www.crocodileproductionsinc.com -
See more at:
http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf
 
May 2016

May 6 - May 7 2016 - Pomona, CA
West Coast Historical Militaria Collectors Show and Sale. Fairplex Park, Building 4, 1101 W McKinley Ave. Info: 877- 859-9909 info@militariashow.com www.militariashow.com

May 14 2016 - Lockport, IL
Midwest Militaria Show, American Legion Post #18, Rte. 171 & 151, 9 am.-3 p.m.
Info: 815.641.6411 or 708.598.4156

May 15 2016 - Mattydale, NY
NYS Military Collectors Association Show VFW Post 3146, 2000 Lemoyne Ave, Sponsored by the New York State Militaria Collectors Association. Justin Baum 315-532-2756 nysmca@yahoo.com

June 2016
Jun 5 2016 - Glendale Heights, IL
Glendale Heights Militaria Collectibles Show, The Armada Inn and Suites (formerly The Ramada Inn and Suites), 780 E North Ave., 1/2 mile west of I-355 Info: Military Promotions, LLC. Military Promotions LLC. Jeff Stone, PH: 708- 558-0587. chgomilitaryshow@aol.com www.militarypromotions.info

June 10 – 12, 2016 – South Elgin, IL 60177
RAILS TO VICTORY
Fox River Trolley Museum
361 South LaFox Street (IL 31), South Elgin, IL 60177
Website: http://www.railstovictory.com

Jun 10 - Jun 11 2016 Huntsville, AL
The Alabama Military Collector Association’s 20th Militaria Show. Huntsville Jaycee’s Community Building, 2180 Airport Rd. Info: AMCA, P.O.B. 14001 Huntsville, AL 35815; (256) 651-7302; amcahq@comcast.net www.almilitarycollectors.org

Jun 10 - Jun 11 2016 - Wilmington, OH
OVMS 400-Table Militaria Show. Roberts Centre, I-71 at U.S. Route 68 (Exit 50). Info: Ohio Valley Military Society, Inc., P.O. Box 30436, Cincinnati, OH 45230-0436; ovms@fuse.net www.sosovms.com

Jun 11 2016 - San Antonio, TX
Alamo City Militaria Expo (ACME), Knights of Columbus Hall, 509 Schertz Pkwy, Schertz TX 78154 (7miles north of San Antonio off I-35. info: 210-843-6012 www.acmemilexpo.com

Jun 11 - Jun 12 2016 - Oak Creek, WI  
The Milwaukee Military Show Oak Creek American Legion Post 434, 9327 S. Shepard Avenue. Craig Luther, 414-522-0033 milwaukeemilitaryshow@gmail.com www.milwaukeemilitaryshow.com

Jun 17 - Jun 19 2016 -Sturbridge, MA
18th Annual New England Antique Society Show. Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center, 366 Main St., www.neaas.org

Jul 9 2016 -Polk City, FL
Florida Military Collectors Show Fantasy of Flight 1400 Broadway Blvd SE, 9:00am-4:30pm
Info: 407 462-2163

July 2016
Jul 9 2016 - Polk City, FL
Florida Military Collectors Show Fantasy of Flight 1400 Broadway Blvd SE, 9:00am-4:30pm
Info: 407 462-2163

August 2016

Aug 7 2016 - Glendale Heights, IL
Glendale Heights Militaria Collectibles Show, The Armada Inn and Suites (formerly The Ramada Inn and Suites), 780 E North Ave., 1/2 mile west of I-355 Info: Military Promotions, LLC. Military Promotions LLC. Jeff Stone, PH: 708- 558-0587. chgomilitaryshow@aol.com www.militarypromotions.info

Aug 11 - Aug 14 2016 - Pittsburg, PA
Orders and Medal Society of America (OMSA) Convention. Wyndham Grand Hotel, 600 Commonwealth Place. Convention chairman: Andreas Schulze Ising; andreas@medalnet.net www.omsa.org

Aug 13 - Aug 14 2016 - Iola, WI
Iola Military Vehicle and Gun Show featuring Old Tractors and Trucks. Iola Old Car Show Grounds Iola Old Car Show/Vintage Military Show P.O. Box 1 100 North Main Street Iola, WI 54945; 715-445-4000. information@iolaoldcarshow.com www.iolavms.com

September 2016
Sep 17 - Sep 18 2016 - Syracuse, NY
New York State Arms Collectors Show, State Fairgrounds Expo Center.
For more Info: Sandy Ackerman, 607.748.1010

Sep 17 - Sep 18 2016 - Novi, MI
Michigan Antique Arms Show, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. Info: President G. Christmann,43684 Columbia Drive, Clinton Twp. MI 48038; 586-286-3905; www.michiganantiquearms.com

Sep 25 2016 - Schaumburg, IL
The 36th annual Chicago Toy Soldier Show
 Hyatt Regency Woodfield, 1800 East Golf Road, 10am to 3:30pm.
Contact: Roger Garfield at 847-567-5355 roger@chicagotoysoldiershow.com
See more at: http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

October 2016
Oct 8 2016 - San Antonio, TX
Alamo City Militaria Expo (ACME), Knights of Columbus Hall, 509 Schertz Pkwy, Schertz TX 78154 Info: 210-843-6012 www.acmemilexpo.com

Oct 9 2016 - Glendale Heights, IL
Glendale Heights Militaria Collectibles Show, The Armada Inn and Suites (formerly The Ramada Inn and Suites), 780 E North Ave., 1/2 mile west of I-355 Info: Military Promotions, LLC. Military Promotions LLC. Jeff Stone, PH: 708- 558-0587. chgomilitaryshow@aol.com www.militarypromotions.info

November 2016
Nov 4 - Nov 5 2016 - Wilmington, OH
VMS 400-Table Militaria Show. Roberts Centre, I-71 at U.S. Route 68 (Exit 50). Ohio Valley Military Society. The Ohio Valley Military Society, Inc, PO Box 30436, Cincinnati, OH, 45230-0436. 513.245.9540; ovms@fuse.net www.sosovms.com

Nov 5 - Nov 6 2016 - Wichita, KS
Wichita Military Guns & Collectibles Show, Cessna Activity Center; 2744 S. George Washington Blvd.; Info: Shawn @ 316-210-3255

Nov 11 - Nov 13 2016 - Northlake, IL
The Chicago Military Collectibles Show. Midwest Conference Center (located at Concord Plaza), 401 W Lake St., Info: Military Promotions, LLC. Military Promotions LLC. Jeff Stone, PH: 708- 558-0587. chgomilitaryshow@aol.com www.militarypromotions.info

Nov 26 - Nov 27 2016 - Novi, MI
Michigan Antique Arms Show, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Info: President G. Christmann,43684 Columbia Drive, Clinton Twp. MI 48038; 586-286-3905; www.michiganantiquearms.com
See more at: http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

December 2016
Dec 4 2016 - Glendale Heights, IL
Glendale Heights Militaria Collectibles Show
The Armada Inn and Suites (formerly The Ramada Inn and Suites),
780 E North Ave., Glendale Heights, IL
1/2 mile west of I-355 info: Military Promotions, LLC. Military Promotions LLC.
Jeff Stone, PH: 708- 558-0587. chgomilitaryshow@aol.com www.militarypromotions.info
See more at: http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

 

March 2017
Mar 18 - Mar 19 2017 - Timonium, MD
Original Baltimore Antique Arms Show. Maryland State Fairgrounds, Cow Palace, 2200 York Road.
Ed Kemp, 5755 Windsong Court, New Market, MD, 21774.
Phone & Fax, PH: 301- 865-6804 www.baltimoreshow.com


Mar 17 - Mar 18 2018 - Timonium, MD
Original Baltimore Antique Arms Show. Maryland State Fairgrounds, Cow Palace,
2200 York Road. Ed Kemp, 5755 Windsong Court, New Market, MD, 21774.
Phone & Fax, PH: 301- 865-6804 www.baltimoreshow.com
See more at: http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar#sthash.iZdnOvEK.dpuf

Wednesday, January 13, 2016


 
Reichsarbeitsdienst für die weibliche Jugend (RADwJ)

State Labor Corps – Reichsarbeitsdienst
Origin:

On June 5, 1931, a two full years before the NSDAP party arose into power, the Weimar Republic was in a great depression and unemployment was rampant.

Chancellor Heinrich Brüning issued an emergency decree establishing the “Freiwilliger Arbeitsdienst” ('Voluntary Labor Service', FAD) for the men and the Freiwilliger Frauenarbeitsdienst for the women.  
 
 

In 1933, the then State Secretary of the Reich Ministry of Labor, Konstantin Hierl, was responsible for all FAD matters. Hierl was already a high-ranking member of the NSDAP and head of the party's labor organization, the "Nationalsozialistischer Arbeitsdienst" or NSAD. Hierl developed the concept of a state labor service organization similar to the Reichswehr army, with a view to implementing a compulsory service.
Following a law enacted on June 26 1935, the RAD moved from being a voluntary service to becoming compulsory. All German men between the ages of 18 – 25 were obligated to serve in the RAD for six month before enlisting in military services. It would not be until September 1939 that this law would become universally enforced.

On July 11, 1934, the NSAD was renamed "Reichsarbeitsdienst" (RAD, "Reich Labor Service")  with Hierl as its director until the end of World War II. This agency will help to mitigate the effects of unemployment on the German economy, militarize the workforce, and indoctrinate its members in the National Socialistic ideology. It was the official state labor service, divided into two sections: one for men (RAD/M) and one for the women (RADwJ).
RADwJ 1/142 Dumzin, Germany - 1941
In 1934, there were 7,347 women in RADwJ. These women worked in agriculture, forestry, economics, and horticulture. They also participated as maid cattle breeders/caretakers in the country.

RADwJ 1/142 Dumzin, Germany
Kindergarten Class 1941

Although the National Socialistic view of the women’s place centered on domesticity, female RAD members were also employed on farms and for community service such as caring for the elderly and for children. Generally, the women’s branch of the RAD was not a highly disciplined organization, being fairly relaxed and sociable. A full-time career as a permanent member of the RAD was also open to young women from the ages of 20 – 25.
Women in RADwJ had to be at least 20 years old and serve for a period of six months. The women worked for 12 hours a day and up to 76 hours a week. They served mostly in agriculture but also in various industries.  Those women who chose to continue their service in the RADwJ went on to achieving a high-raking command position. The women received a daily wage of 0.20 RM per day (about 0.04 cents an hour, or about 50 cents in today’s US dollar).

In 1937, there were about 25,000 Arbeitsmaiden
 On March 12, 1938, Austria was annexed into Germany. By October, it was mandatory for all men and women ages 17 – 25 to join RAD. The male youth were used mainly for land reclamation, road construction, and forest operations while the women worked exclusively in agriculture.
 

On September 1, 1939, World War II began and by 1940, about 50k women are serving in the RADwJ.

The first major change came in 1941 when a “Führer Decree” introduced the concept of Auxiliary War Service (Kriegshilfdienst) for RAD women. In many cases, this service was restricted to serving as factory workers in firms whose business was contributing to the war effort (munitions factories, etc.), or serving in essential civilian jobs such as auxiliary hospital staff, postal workers, bus or tramcar conductresses, and railway workers, etc. Auxiliary formations were developed which provided support for the Wehrmacht armed forces. Many RADwJ women served with the Aircraft Reporting Service of the Luftwaffe as Flakhelferinnen. 
RADwJ Women making gas masks
© Bildarchiv Preußischer Kulturbesitz/ Germin
By special decree dated June 29, 1941, the service was for a period of six months (Reich Law Gazette I, p. 491). With the introduction of the “War Relief Service,” service was extended to a period of 12 months. By this time, there were over 130k women and by 1942, there were over 150k women serving in the RADwJ.

Those that chose to work in the RAD Lager (Camps), worked on the farms as assistants, nannies, teachers, and were also domestic helpers in families who had many children.  These camps were located in rural and scenic settlements mainly in old school buildings, manor homes, or palaces.
RAD Lager 1/142 - Dumzin, Germany
Palace Domacyno
Domacyno, Poland
Each camp held about 40 women.
 
Thirty-three were regular helpers (Arbeitsmaiden):

Three were of higher ranks (Kameradschaftsältesten)



While 3 were nurses (Gesundheitshelferin),




And one Camp Leader (Lagerführerin) - here she is teaching class
(c) Jugend1918-1945.de

The camp leaders and nurses received a regular salary while the Arbeitsmaiden received 0.20 RM per day.

Districts: 

 


There were thirteen RADwJ districts. The first German town is the name of the district, followed by the seat (location) of the district headquarters. Later on, another 20 districts were added to conform to the male RAD/M districts.

 1 Ostpreußen - Königsberg in Preußen
 2 Pomerania - Stettin
 3 Nordmark - Schwerin in Mecklenburg
 4 Kurmark - Berlin
 5 Schlesien - Breslau
 6 Mitteldeutschland - Weimar
 7 Sachsen - Dresden
 8 Niedersachsen - Hannover
 9 Westfalen - Dortmund
 10 Koblenz - Rheinland
 11 Hessen - Wiesbaden
 12 Südwestdeutschland - Stuttgart
 13 Bayern – München
 
Uniforms:
Working Dress: The basic dress of a RADwJ was their working blue dress, white apron, and a red scarf.
 
 
 
 

 
 


Service Dress: The RADwJ service dress consisted of a jacket, blouse, skirt, shoes, and a fedora hat. The uniform jacket was a single-breasted tunic style garment cut from light brown wool, with a contrasting dark brown collar, four front buttons, and a matching cloth waist belt with a rectangular buckle made from horn or wood. The jacket skirt had two internal pockets with slanted external buttoned flaps. Leadership ranks had aluminum or gold-colored cord piping to the collar depending upon the rank grouping.  The skirt was cut from the same brown wool as the jacket, and could be either plain or with two front pleats. The blouse was white and worn under the jacket, buttoned up at the neck. It was not worn with a necktie as with the BDM girls.  Both long and short-sleeved models were used.  The short sleeve version could be worn without a jacket in the summer months. In place of a necktie was a brooch worn at the base of the throat.  The design differed accordingly to rank. The hat featured a green hatband onto which was pinned, on the right side, a badge in silver or gold colored metal depending upon the rank.

Insignia: The insignia was worn on the upper left sleeve. It was in the shape of a shield and machine woven. The field was brown with a black outer edge. In the upper portion was a white disc bearing a swastika over a chevron formed from ears of barley, all in black. Below this was a Roman number indicating the area of the wearer.  This number and the inner border just inside the black edging were in white for junior grades, silver for an officer grade, and gold for the most senior position. 
 

Brooch: The brooches were designed by Egon Jantke. It was worn at the neck and was made from stamped sheet metal. Various patterns existed. Some were introduced after the outbreak of the war and fall into two basic patterns.  The first was worn by auxiliaries between the ages of 18 and 21. These were circular with the regulation swastika over ears of barley, all on a pebbled field.  The border, in conjunction with the brooch color, indicated the wearer’s rank as follows:


Arbeitsmaiden – iron color, smooth border
 

Kameradschaftsälteste – iron color, ribbed border


 
Jungführerin – bronze color, smooth border
 

Maidenunterführerin – bronze color, ribbed border

Maidenführerin – bronze color, roped border

 
Maidenoberführerin – silver color, ribbed border

 
Maidenhauptführerin – silver color, roped border

 
Stabsführerin – gold color, smooth border


Stabsoberführerin – gold color, ribbed border
 

Stabshauptführerin – gold color, roped border

 


Those who served after a full year but did not yet hold a leadership rank, were permitted to wear a membership brooch in a grey color metal, with the usual central motif but with the edging bearing the inscription “Reichsarbeitsdienst weibliche Jugend.”


Another brooch is known to be round in shape with the swastika in the center surrounded not only by the ears of barley, but also whole stalks on a textured background. The flat edge bore in the old German Sütterlin script: “Arbeit für den Volk, Adelt dich Selbst, Deutscher Frauenarbeitsdienst,” (Work for our People, Enoble Yourselves, German Women’s Labor Service).  Nothing else is known about these brooches except that these brooches bear serial numbers suggesting they were a form of an award whose issue was regulated.


The badge was worn on the upper left sleeve. An example here gives the insignia as a "Gesundheitsdienst". The stripes (two 10 mm wide brown) are rank insignia for "Lagergehilfin" (later for Jungführerin). The one stripe was for "Kameradschaftsälteste". On 30 September 1943 these rings were replaced by a 70 mm long grey bar with zig-zag pattern (1 or 2, according to rank).
 

Cap Badges: The cap badges were made from metal and worn on the band of the fedora.  This featured the swastika and ears of barley motif in a circular frame, the field normally being pierced out. It was in iron color for Arbeitsmaid and Kamaradschaft, in bronze for the Jungführerin and Maidenunterführerin, silver for the Maidenoberführerin and Maidenhauptführerin. Gold color was for the rank of Stabsführerin to Stabshauptführerin. The rank of the Maidenführerin wore an embroidered version of this badge, in bronze color wire.
 
 
 Wartime Special Badge:
In July 1941, a special badge to recognize service as a wartime helper was introduced. This consisted of a swastika over a chevron formed by two ears of barley. Over this chevron was draped a scroll bearing the initials RADwJ (Reichsarbeitsdienst weibliche Jugend – State Labor Service Female Youth).



Maidenunterführerin
Piping: The rank of the Maidenunterführerin wore silver/black mixed cord piping to the collar. This eventually changed to a plain silver cord for the ranks of Maidenführerin. Gold was for the rank of Stabsführerin to Stabshauptführerin. 
 
The standard RAD jacket when worn by women serving as drivers featured a dark green rather than a dark brown contrasting collar.

In late 1943, the specialist leader (Sonderführer) role was introduced. Three grades equivalent to the lower, middle, and higher specialist careers found in the military were Sonderführerin “U,” “M,” and “H,” for Unten, Mittel, Hoche (Lower, middle, high).

The Unten Sonderführerin wore a brown/red mixed cord collar piping and a bronze brooch with a silver border. The Mittel Sonderführerin wore a silver/red collar cord and a silver brooch, and the Hoche Sonderführerin wore a gold/red collar cord and a gold brooch with silver borders.
 
 
Cuff Rings: Somewhat analogous to the ‘command’ rings of military auxiliaries, female RADwJ members with the rank of Kameradschaftsälteste wore a single 10 mm wide brown cuff ring on both sleeves, while the Jungführerinnen wore two such rings. These cuff rings were replaced in 1943 with short gray braid stripes on a brown base. 
In 1944, a change was introduced for NCO equivalent grades specifically serving with Flak units. The rank of Kameradschaftälteste was changed to Obermaid and the rank of Jungführerin to Hauptmaid.

Late in the war, a ‘battledress blouse’ type jacket was introduced for women RAD personnel. This short, single-breasted, waist-length garment had six front buttons and two patch breast pockets with buttoned flaps. The sleeve cuffs were also adjustable, with button fastening. The usual RAD badge was worn on the left upper sleeve. The skirt worn with this jacket had two-pleat front and two slanted side pockets. This basic uniform was the same as that issued to military auxiliaries; however, the RAD version was not announced until February 1945. What level of issue was achieved is unknown.

In many cases, female RAD personnel wore the uniforms of the service with which they were serving as auxiliaries. In some cases, such as factory workers, this would be a simple overall.  In other cases, such as railway guards/conductors or postal service workers, the full uniform of that service would be worn but with the Kriegshilfdienst badge displaced on the lapel. A cuff band with the inscription “RAD Kriegshilfdienst” was also worn on some occasions, and an armband “Kriegshilfdienst/des Reichsarbeitsdienst’ is also known to have been used.  Female RAD personnel serving with the Luftwaffe Flak units wore the standard Luftwaffe auxiliary’s uniform, but with the RAD sleeve patch.
 
 

Source:  Gordon Williamson – Osprey Publishing

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