1. "Orange" Armband - Domestic Armed Forces Dordrecht
The armband in this photo belonged to a member of the Stoottroepen (Shock Troops) of the Domestic Armed Forces in Dordrecht. As seen in the photo above, the BS member in Dordrecht is wearing a similar type of armband on his left sleeve. The Domestic Armed Forces (BS) were established in September 1944 by Prince Bernhard. The BS served as an umbrella organization for all resistance groups present in the Netherlands at that time. Examples of these groups include the Ordedienst (OD), the Landelijke Knokploegen (LKP), and the Landelijke Organisatie voor hulp aan onderduikers (LO).
The development of these armbands began in September 1944. The initial design featured an orange armband with black letters spelling “Oranje.” However, these armbands fell into the hands of the Germans, leading the Allied High Command to ban their use. This resulted in the need for new armbands. Consequently, various types of armbands were encountered throughout the Netherlands among the Domestic Armed Forces. The armband you see here is an example of the type worn in Dordrecht during the liberation. In this case, it is a white armband with orange letters spelling the word “Oranje.” The word “Oranje” was required to be included on the armbands. On the stamp to the right, it reads: Stoottroepen NBS (Dutch Domestic Armed Forces) Dordrecht - District 5 Cdt (Commander). Below, you can view some more photos: (Click to enlarge)
