BACKGROUND: The DRK, "Deutsches Rotes Kreuz" (German Red Cross), a voluntary civil assistance organization originally instituted in 1864, was officially acknowledged by the Geneva Convention in 1929. In December 1937 it gained status as a legally recognized organization by the NSDAP. As with other essential services in Third Reich Germany, it came under control of the NSDAP in late 1938 under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior’s Social Welfare Organization.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: This group consists of a work dress, apron and hat.

1. A pinstriped, blue & white, cotton construction dress with a three button front. There are a pair of buttons to each pleated cuff, three buttons to the interior of the collar to allow for a liner and a pair hip pockets to the front with button closure. A small tag sewn to the interior reads "42". The chest measures approximately 38", is 43.5" long with a 22" long sleeve and is 14" across the back of the shoulders. There is a sewn repair to the rear of the skirt. All buttons are complete with original stitching. Included is a white bib apron with ties. The waist measures approximately 24.5" (62cm) and is 25" (63.5cm) long. There is a interior and exterior pocket. The apron and dress show yellowing.

2. The white linen starched nurses hat with an open back has a machine embroidered red Balkan cross to the front, that in turn, is machine sewn to the center of the hat. It is unmarked.