GERMAN REICH LABOR SERVICE FLAG [RAD].

GERMAN REICH LABOR SERVICE FLAG [RAD].
Captured June 1944.
RAD linen pennant, in triangular shape. 700 (hoist) x 940 mm (max). The flag comprising a red ground with a central white circle, enclosing the RAD symbol of a spade head and two ears of corn, denoting their skills in construction and agriculture. A few small holes, some stains.

A rare Reichsarbeitsdienst or RAD pennant, apparently recovered by a local French farmer in June 1944, after the Battle for Utah Beach, and sold on in 1986 to an English collector. The RAD was an official state labor service divided into sections for men and women. Much of the Atlantic wall was constructed by RAD, and they were responsible for supplies of munitions and food to the front line. In the battle for Normandy, the RAD were forced to fight against the allied Invaders in Normandy, often with great casualties. This pennant might have been flown on a truck.