The Reichsarbeitsdienst (RAD) was formed in Germany in 1935, by 1939 it could muster 350,000 workers. Although not an army formation it nevertheless contributed to the German war effort, and right up until the end of the war contingents were assisting in constructing defensive positions, while some were also issued small arms. Decided to augment my German force with a small unit, converted from Airfix Mountain Troops. Although the RAD also used the standard mountain cap, I wanted mine to have something distinctly theirs. While some RAD units used overalls while on military service I couldn't resist keeping their formal post1938 uniform. For war-game purposes they will count as a reservist/militia formation. No confusing this unit on the gaming table!
MGB
Interesting how close the field caps are to the designs for the Imperial officers bad guys in the Star Wars movies designed by John Mollo the military uniform historian
ReplyDeletehttps://www.sci-fi-o-rama.com/2015/12/27/the-star-wars-space-armies-of-john-mollo/
Your not the first to notice the similarities, same could be said for Star Ship Troopers lol. Met Mollo, he was a nice bloke, kindly complimented me on my uniforms for AWI and French Revolutionary Wars reenactments. His hobby interests were researching 18th century and Napoleonic uniforms.
DeleteMichael
Very unique unit Michael and you captured their look perfectly! Very well done indeed!
ReplyDeleteThank you Brad, it certainly makes an alternative use for the pick using figures in the Airfix set, and they will be my construction team too.
DeleteMichael