BACKGROUND: The SHD, Sicherheits und Hilfs Dienst, (Security and Assistance Service), was formed in May 1937 as a uniformed, voluntary, civilian, organization under control of the RLM, Reichsluftfahrtministerium, (National Ministry of Aviation). The SHD worked in conjunction with the RLB, Reichs Luftschutz Bund, (National Air Raid Protection League), and the LSW, Luftschutzwarndienst, (Air Raid Warning Service), in the civil air defence network, with its primary functions being decontamination, fire fighting, rescue and repair and assisting civilian personnel and securing buildings following an air raid. Of Note: In 1939 the SHD began conscripting personnel and in mid-1942 the organization was renamed Luftschutz-Polizei, (Air Protection Police), and came under control of the Ordnungspolizei, (Order Police). In 1941 specific trade/branch of service sleeve badges were introduced for wear by SHD personnel on the lower left sleeve of the service uniform.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Vertically oval, machine woven rayon badge features a bright green outer border stripe encompassing a brown inner field with a white Gothic "I" to center indicating, Instandesetzungsdienst, (Repair & Maintenence).