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: Roughly, 1 1/2 liter capacity, tooled, natural aluminum construction medical personnel’s canteen with a black painted, tooled, aluminum cup and a brown leather harness with steel fittings. Canteen is maker marked "WAL 39". The tip of one of the small strap is broken short and has been sewn to the cover.