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This photo clearly shows the distinct
insignia worn by SA-Hilfspolizei during 1933 shortly after the police
unit's formation. At this early date, police members wore
standard SA uniforms without additional insignia or standard SA
Polizei Gorget. This photograph clearly illustrates the large
black swastika insignia positioned in the center of a white circle and
surrounded by a red border. This insignia is likely hand painted
or done by fine stencil. Decals of this sort are not known to
have been produced. The man shown in the photograph wears the
rank of SA Truppenführer (SA Troop Leader) and bears the black and
white piping and shoulder strap associated with the Berlin and Berlin
Brandenburg SA unit. Given that the uniform is the pattern worn
prior to 1939, and the fact that the man carries a rifle suggests that
he is a member of the SA-Hilfspolizei which served as a guard unit
formed by Hermann Göring in the early part of 1933. A short time
later this unit was reorganized into the
Feldpolizei – Berlin-Brandenburg unit.
Insignia was then changed to incorporate the standard Prussian Police
eagle and star on both uniform collar patches and helmets. |