2018-10-17 Wed

The RAD stamps are exceptional stamps of Nazi Germany. RAD or The Reichsarbeitsdienst or Reich Labor Service was commemorated on special Nazi Germany stamps in the year 1944.

The Reichsarbeitsdienst was an organization set up in Nazi Germany in an effort to combat unemployment. It was initially similar to the Civilian Conservation Corps of the United States, initiated by President Roosevelt, to help the country recover from the Great Depression. During World War II, the RAD was an auxiliary force which provided support for the Wehrmacht (Army).

The RAD was formed in July 1934 as an official state labour service. It was created from an amalgamation of the many labour unions formed in Germany during the Weimar Republic. RAD members provided service for various civic, military, and agricultural construction projects. Konstantin Hierl was its leader throughout the organization's lifetime.

On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the RAD, a set of two stamps were issued. The 6 Marks Green stamp depicts a picture of a nurse and a 12 Marks Red stamp depicts a picture of a labourer in the army uniform. The stamps are seen along the additional surcharge of 4Marka and 8 Marks respectively. The stamps are inscribed with the letters RAD which stand for Reichsarbeitsdienst and “GROSSDEUTSCHES REICH” meaning “Greater German Reich”.

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