Description
Here is your chance to pick up an example of a RAD hewer. Marked Ges. Gesch. on the blade and maker marked for Gottlieb Hammersfahr. The scabbard has paint loss from age and minor rusting. One screw missing on the lower scabbard fitting. Great blade overall with little wear and a nice etch. Stag handles without issues. A nice starter piece if you aren’t looking to break the bank. The Reichsarbeitsdienst (translated to Reich Labour Service, abbreviated RAD) was a major organization established by Nazi Germany as an agency to help mitigate the effects of mass unemployment on German economy, militarise the workforce and indoctrinate it with Nazi ideology. From June 1935 onwards, men aged between 18 and 24 had to serve six months before their military service. During World War II compulsory service also included young women and the RAD developed to an auxiliary formation which provided support for the Wehrmacht armed forces. During the early war Norwegian and Western campaigns, hundreds of RAD units were engaged in supplying frontline troops with food and ammunition, repairing damaged roads and constructing and repairing airstrips. Throughout the course of the war, the RAD were involved in many projects. The role of the RAD was not limited to combat support functions. Hundreds of RAD units received training as anti-aircraft units and were deployed as RAD Flak Batteries. Several RAD units were also sent into combat on the eastern front as infantry. Free shipping ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD & I don’t charge PayPal fees like some of the other guys!
