Kampfgruppen der Arbeitsklasse 1958

[Eschborn]

Hello,
the history of the Kampfgruppen has already been summarized in another post on women's uniforms, but this organization is emblematic of the DDR, a workers' militia responsible for defending socialism against all counter-revolutionary actions. These volunteers, whose officers were recruited from among the members of the SED, had military training; logically, the material and equipment at their disposal were often of the second rank.
Being auxiliary law enforcement troops, they were attached to the MoI but if an armed conflict had arisen, they would have been placed under the authority of the NVA.
When they were created they didn't really have uniforms, often blue work overalls with a red armband.
It was in 1957 that the first uniform appeared, it remained in use until 1970 when the new uniform appeared which was kept until 1990. The latter only underwent a few small changes during its existence.
I present to you one of the first models dating from 1958.
The cut and fabric are of high quality, much more durable than later uniforms.





4 pockets, 2 interior and 2 exterior on the front of the uniform



Sewn gray buttons



elbow reinforcement



colored arm badge



Skimütze with colored metal badge, early Emhage cap, before the NVA-MdI-date-size markings appeared systematically...





some pictures ...



General Secretary Walter ULBRICHT, head of state succeeding Wilhem Pieck from 1950 to 1971

[baerchen]

One strong incentive to join the Kampfgruppen was an additional pension

Nice early jacket and cap!!!

[Jack59]

Hello, nice set up. The tunic is very practical with its wide pockets.
I find this ealy Kampfgruppen arm patch charming, seems to be silkscreen printed with 6 or 7 colours.


The early days.


On duty.


In the field.