ABZEICHEN FREIWILLIGER HELFER - GRENZTRUPPEN DER DDR. (Volunteer Helpers of the Border Troops)
After WWII the East German Border police took measures to increase presence along the zonal boundaries, this involved the border communities in policing the frontiers. To accomplish this, the Border Police formed a civilian auxiliary known as the Freiwillige Helfer der Grenzpolizei (Volunteer Helpers of the Border Police). These specially selected volunteers accompanied the Border Police on patrols and provided additional eyes and ears in the restricted areas by reporting any suspicious activity or strangers.
The name of the volunteers was changed to the “Freiwillige Helfer der Grenztruppen” (Volunteer Helpers of the Border Troops) but the mission remained relatively the same. Over 3,000 Border Helpers assisted the guards on the Landesgrenz and the coastal areas by performing patrol duties, manning traffic control points, and even gathering intelligence on other residents.
As an anknowlegement of their service, the border helpers were also elgible to recieve awards. Medals were issued for very five years of service up to thirty years, and a "Best" badge with certifcate was issued for exemplary service.
CO http://www.grenzer.com/FHG2.htm
Volunteer Helper of the Grenztruppen (1983-1989)
To answer the above query by Unor, In April, 1983 it was directed that the Border Volunteers be issued an armband, identification card and a badge. This is the badge they wore.
After WWII the East German Border police took measures to increase presence along the zonal boundaries, this involved the border communities in policing the frontiers. To accomplish this, the Border Police formed a civilian auxiliary known as the Freiwillige Helfer der Grenzpolizei (Volunteer Helpers of the Border Police). These specially selected volunteers accompanied the Border Police on patrols and provided additional eyes and ears in the restricted areas by reporting any suspicious activity or strangers.
The name of the volunteers was changed to the “Freiwillige Helfer der Grenztruppen” (Volunteer Helpers of the Border Troops) but the mission remained relatively the same. Over 3,000 Border Helpers assisted the guards on the Landesgrenz and the coastal areas by performing patrol duties, manning traffic control points, and even gathering intelligence on other residents.
As an anknowlegement of their service, the border helpers were also elgible to recieve awards. Medals were issued for very five years of service up to thirty years, and a "Best" badge with certifcate was issued for exemplary service.
CO http://www.grenzer.com/FHG2.htm
Volunteer Helper of the Grenztruppen (1983-1989)
To answer the above query by Unor, In April, 1983 it was directed that the Border Volunteers be issued an armband, identification card and a badge. This is the badge they wore.
Everybody's equal, But some more than others!
"Those who come to us with the sword - will be killed by the sword" - Alexander Nevski
"Those who come to us with the sword - will be killed by the sword" - Alexander Nevski
