SA-Wehrmannschaft der Steiermark

In 1939 the Storm Troopers Military Training Defense Group (SA-Wehrmannschaft) was formed to bolster the Sturmabteilungen's (SA) weakened position within the National Socialist Party.  Military training units were formed that resembled those of equal counterpart in the German Armed Forces (Wehrmacht).  Older men including those not fit for regular duty in the Wehrmacht were required to undergo military training and to serve in the SA-Wehrmannshaft.

Intense partisan activity along the border of Yugoslavia in the region of Styria required additional military support which was raised directly from the SA-Wehrmannschaft.  The Styrian Home League (Steierischer Heimatbund) was formed in 1941 to help protect German property from these partisan attacks.  All members were part of the SA-Wehrmannschaft and wore typical uniforms save for a different branch piping on collar tabs and shoulder straps.  In addition, most members were issued mountain caps with edelweiss insignia because the area was well known for its rugged mountains.

The Styrian Home League was placed under the command of the SA-Wehrmannscaft and trained according to standard protocol.  Members of the SA-Wehrmannschaft der Steiermark were typically local residents of the region.  All members fulfilled the same requirements of any SA-Wehrmannschaft unit.  Serving as a border patrol unit, members were often issued combat helmets in the event that partisans were engaged during combat.

SA-Wehrmannschaft Main

Helmet Types

Helmet Insignia

SA-Wehrmannschaft