Pre War Reichsarbeitsdienst Ceremony Grouping

The photographs seen here are a large grouping showing a Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) performing a ceremony. The ceremony seen here in the first photograph shows the RAD flag on the pole, a RAD leader standing on a podium, also wearing the RADs insignia which is a spade with two pieces of wheat either side (This symbolising the labour element to the paramilitary organisation) Also notably seen is the stacking in a circle of spades and Gewehr 98 rifles. The spades were used as a replacement for rifles as the RAD was a paramilitary force, the same rifle drills were taught but with spades, as seen posed by the centre podium and in other photographs. Seen with the flag spread out and hands on the flag and making a promise, this proving likely to be an introduction to the Abteilung. The second photograph shows rows of RAD men or Arbeitsmann, seen saluting the flag that in the first photograph shows. This showing parts of the surroundings as the ceremony is done on the grounds of the barracks.

The third photograph shows the podium from the first photograph, it shows the flag bearer and other RAD men seen either side of him, the flag can just be seen in shot too. Seen at attention and the shovels seen presented in front of them. The fourth picture here shows the flag lowered again but is prior to the swearing in with the RAD leader seen saluting behind them.

The fifth photograph is really interesting is the RAD officers seen on the right, one with a cuff title on and above seen a political armband. Seen in the centre is appears to be a civilian but could be a party member or first world war veteran who has come to watch the ceremony to the left of him is a SA man. This seen by the political armband but no RAD insignia above and crusher cap and finally next to him is an SS officer, this being unusual to see in the average RAD photograph, likely a Pre or early war photograph. The RAD working closely with the SA as it was part of the NSDAP as a paramilitary force.

The sixth Photograph shows the a similar shot to the Third photograph but taken at a different angle, showing more of the Arbeits men to the left.

The Seventh Photograph in the group shows the Arbeits men at attention, the spades being seen in the form of a rifle drill and the flag held proudly up as the ceremony is underway.

The final photograph is the same as the first but taken again at a slightly different angle, as the flag cannot be seen in this shot, it is likely that these photographs were taken to capture as much of the ceremony as possible, these photographs would share as a reminder of the hard work and training that these men went through before joining a branch of the Wehrmacht. The families of these Arbeits men in the RAD would be very proud and so would the men themselves after leaning new skills and training that would help them be more efficient and hard working. All whilst boosting their patriotic and nationalist spirits. This is a really crisp and nice grouping showing a RAD ceremony.