BACKGROUND: The DRK, Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross), was a voluntary civil assistance organization that was originally instituted in 1864 and was officially acknowledged by the Geneva Convention on July 27TH 1929. On December 9TH 1937 the DRK gained the status of a legally recognized organization by the NSDAP. As with other essential services in Third Reich Germany the DRK came under control of the NSDAP in late 1938 under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior Social Welfare Organization. Female DRK personnel were issued an active service brooch to be worn as a duty badge at the nape of the neck of the service uniform. The active service brooches came in both circular and oval versions and assorted minor variations depending on the rank/position level of the recipient.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 36mm diameter, one piece, die struck zinc brooch with a black, white and red paint work. The brooch features a circular outer border with an embossed, intertwined, repeating, stylized swastika pattern encompassing an inner black enamel border with silver washed Gothic script, "Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Schwesternhelferin", (German Red Cross Nurse's Helper), encompassing a white circular inner field with a central red Greek style cross. Nice makers mark and "Ges. Gesch"., indicating, Gesetzlich Geschützt, (Protected by Law). Complete with original pinback device.