The photograph here shows a member of the Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) on a cold morning on guard with his spade, outside a building in the woods. The building, likely a barracks or aministrative building belonging the the Reichsarbeitsdienst can be seen located in a densely wooded area. This crisp photograph being taken in winter, highlights the coldness winter brings. Snow can be seen dusted everywhere, with a mist showing the coldness of the conditions.
The exact location or region in which this photograph was taken is unknown but it could be taken in Northern Germany or parts of the occupied Reich. The way in which we known this is a member RAD is not only by the shovel in replacement of a rifle but the iconic "Robinh hood" style hat in which can be seen worn. The exact rank of the Reichsarbeitsdienst man is unknown however it is suspected to be entry level as a a Arbeitsmann (Working Man) or possibly a Vormann (Foreman), however the term "Arbeitsmann" is a universal term that applied to any member below officers rank that was actively involved in manual work.
The Arbeitsmann seen here is wearing a long warm woollen sheeps coat. This is essential for keeping warm when in the field, especially when on sentry or Guard duties. This coat would provide great warmth to the Arbeitsmann seen here, his coat is either a civillian coat thats been a private purchase or a coat thats seen great value as a part of the Winterhilfswerk (WHW). Winterhilfswerk commonly known as the Winter Relief of the German people was an annual donation that encoraged the civillians of Germany to donate money, supplies and aid to the cause, the WHW was initially started as a form of welfare in the Great Depression but continued due to its great sucess in rasining
funds for the Welfare of the Thrid Reich, many being used on rearmament.
This photograph is a crisp and detailed photograph taken by an amateur photographer but has captured the silhouette if this Arbeitsmann wrapped up warm. The silhouette in contrast to the bright white sky filled with clouds of snow, the snow covered ground and the natural light shining through the tall conifer trees in the forest in tbe background. The Arbeitsmann on guard with his large warm coat standing with his shovel at an attention stance, looks out across the countryside and rest of the barrack area covered in snow. This photograph like simlar photos in the collection show the skill and detail that some amateur photographers of the time had. This photo giving the impact of relfection and thought in a duty as simple as being on guard or sentry at a RAD Barracks building. It makes you think whats is he thinking of; is it his family? Friends? His hometown? The exact thought is unknown but on reflection it details a crisp photograph with the idea of thought being any possiblity.
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