Terek Cossacks Volunteer Sleeve Shield – 2nd Pattern

Product Description: This second pattern Terek Cossacks Volunteer Sleeve Shield is an excellent example of a scarce pattern of foreign volunteer insignia. It is the printed type, introduced July, 1944. This sleeve shield was authorized for wear by Cossack volunteers (mostly recruits from former Red Army personnel in German POW camps) who served in the 6th (Terek) Cossack Cavalry Regiment of the 2nd Cossack Cavalry Brigade. This Terek Cossacks volunteer sleeve shield is printed on a typical, thin, white fabric. It has a shield with the black and blue colors of the Terek Cossacks, surmounted by the letters “T B,” on a field gray background. The printing is what one expects to see, with the thin, dye-like ink having soaked through the fabric, and visible on the reverse. There are stitch holes on three sides as well as very light soiling, apparently from wear or use rather than handling. There is some extremely minor edge fraying that does not affect the printed design. Overall, the condition is excellent.

Historical Description: As German military power stretched across Europe, many people in the occupied countries volunteered to fight for the German cause. Some were ideologues, some were opportunists, some probably “volunteered” because they had no other choice. In some areas, the Germans eagerly sought volunteers; in others, the Germans were less trusting, and the formation of volunteer units proceeded slowly. But by the end of the war, approximately one million foreign volunteers and conscripts were among those who had fought under Hitler. To distinguish these from German troops, and as a mark of distinction, the Germans authorized special insignia for wear by these volunteers. The insignia took the form of a cloth shield, either woven, embroidered, or printed, that was to be sewn on the uniform sleeve. Some of the foreign volunteer shields were used by specific units of the German Army or Waffen-SS. Others were worn by members of a variety of units and even paramilitary organizations. The design of each shield was chosen to represent the wearer’s nationality. Some were as simple as a national flag or colors, others had more complex designs.

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