Insignia of Norwegian volunteers

Text Box: The Germanic Proficiency runes (Germanische Leistungsrune) was initiated on 15th July 1943 and awarded to non-German SS volunteers that had qualified to the German Sports Badge. It was in Norwegian referred to as Dugleiksrunen and awarded in either silver or bronze. Only 25 Norwegians were awarded this rare badge. 10 in silver and 15 in bronze. The above silver specimen still resides with the original recipient in Norway. (Photo courtesy: Dereks Militaria)

Text Box: The commander of Frw. Leg. Norwegen, Sturmbannfuhrer Arthur Qvist wearing the officer collar tabs of the Legion. On his sleeve he is also wearing the later issue cuffband and the Hird insignia often seen with members of this unit.

Insignia of Norwegian SS Volunteers

In general terms, the Norwegian SS volunteers wore standard SS insignia on their uniforms, but with Norwegian national shields, collar tabs and cuffbands from “Norwegian” units. In addition it was also common for the volunteers to wear membership pins from various Hird Organizations and NS.

With regards to Frw. Leg. Norwegen, there was initially much confusion among the soldiers as they initially thought they would be a Norwegian unit fighting in Norwegian uniforms. Therefore, it was very early on common to see the unofficial “Den Norske Legion” silk cuffband and Norwegian sleeve flags in addition to a mixture of Norwegian and German insignia. As the war went on, the Norwegian volunteers became better to follow German uniform directions. But as with other nationalities, the Norwegians can often be identified on photos by certain unique insignia.

Another phenomenon often encountered with Norwegian SS volunteers is wearing Heer breast eagles in place of the regulation SS eagle on the sleeve. It is unknown if this was due to supply problems or sloppiness.

Below are some examples of period photos of Norwegian volunteers emphasizing the uniqueness of their uniforms. The “trademark” award of the Norwegian volunteers, The Frontkjemper Badge, has a full page dedicated to itself and can be found from the menu on the left.

Text Box: A unique photo showing Chief of SD in Norway, Obergruppenfuhrer Wilhelm Rediess awarding the Germanic Proficiency Rune to three Norwegian volunteers. They can be recognized as Norwegian volunteers by their Frontkjemper and Hird badges. The soldier on the right is wearing a Germanske SS Norge uniform.

Text Box: Above left an unknown Norwegian volunteer who was a part of SS Regiment “Norge” as seen on his cuffband. On his sleeve the standard issue Norwegian SS Volunteer shield is also visible together with the Signaler badge. On right another Norwegian volunteer with the Frontkjemper and Hird badges clearly visible.

Text Box: Above two magnificent studio photos of Bjørn Østring (Frw. Leg. Norwegen). The right photo is showing him with a Norwegian military roundel in his cap in place of the SS skull. His Hird membership badge is also visible. On left the Hird and Hird Youth Badges often seen worn on breast pockets of Norwegian volunteers (Private Collection)

Text Box: Two members of DNL together with two Norwegian Red Cross Front Sisters. Bjørn Østring to the left wearing the very early DnL cuffband “Den Norske Legion”. Sophus Kahrs on right.

Text Box: Above are the two types of cuffbands worn by members of Frw. Legion Norwegen. The first one is the “unauthorized” Norwegian hand embroidered in silk, which subsequently had to be removed. Below is the German authorized RZM style which is commonly seen on period photographs. (Photo courtesy: Dereks Militaria)

Text Box: On the right is the regulation Norwegian armshield most often seen with Norwegian volunteers, and the same as on the sleeve of the volunteer above. (Rene Chavez collection) Below is the first and unauthorized Norwegian flag used by Frw. Legion Norwegen. This was ordered to be replaced by the regulation shield shown on right. Photo Courtesy: Dereks Militaria.

Text Box: Above left is a rare original of Politiets Hederstegn, which was a special award given to among others Police officers serving on the Eastern Front. (Private collection) On left, a pin issued sold as a “supporting” pin to be worn on civilian clothing. (Private Collection)

Text Box: On right is the early style “dogtag” issued to members of Frw. Legion Norwegen (Arne Håkon Thomassen collection) Below is the later type dogtag issued to members of Frw. Leg. Norwegen. A similar tag was recently found at Kaprolat. (Private collection)

Text Box: On left is a rare example of an early Frw. Leg. Norwegian collar tab similar to the one worn by Qvist on the below photo. Several versions existed of these with various lions as well as an embroidered version. (Kjell Aarø collection)

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