🎃 A KB41 Collection Halloween Special ! 🎃
The photograph here shows Abbaukommando (Dismantling team) workers, likely DAF workers pose with the performing costumes and props on the stage of a KDF event for II/JR380.
The Abbaukommando workers (as detailed on the reverse) are seen here posing on the stage of a KDF (Kraft Durch Freude) event with the costumes and props of the stage performance of the event. The KDF (As seen on the sign to the right) was an organisation of the NSDAP that worked in co-operation with the DAF (Deutsche Arbeits-Front). The DAF was an organisation that was formed in 1933, the same year as the KDF and Adolf Hitler becoming Chancellor. The DAF was an organisation of the NSDAP too that focused on the control and management of the workers of Germany. The SA attacked business within Germany, capturing and in some cases killing Trade union leaders, with this the NSDAP ceased control of the business and handed control to the NSDAP and DAF. The DAF and KDF were both administrated by Robert Ley who had no previous experience in Labour but was appointed this role by Adolf Hitler.The DAF was put in control of industry workers rights, pay and holiday. The KDF was set up with this to manage and promote holidays, concerts, events and other leisure and social activities. These events and activities of the KDF were carried out to distract and please the workers of the newly formed DAF. This was put in place to monitor and prevent riots and strikes from occurring within the DAF. The KDF as seen here has organised a stage performance, a comedic and colourful event that would serve as a key event and celebration in the calendar of DAF and other associated members alike.
The event is likely held in the barrack grounds of the Heer, this is likely due to the larger sign seen to the right showing the words 'II/ JR380, This being 2nd Bataillon, Jnfanterie-regiment NR.380. This showing that the KDF event is for both workers of the DAF and the Heer of 2\IR380. The KDF dissolving its large events when the war broke out in 1939 due to a change of focus, this shows us this event is held pre war.
The men seen here shirtless with neck scarfs are the workers in charge of the KDF event, are seen wearing costume parts and props of the KDF theatrical stage performance. The photograph taken in the summer shows the workers joking and laughing as they wearing white HBT working trousers as well as hats, Shakos, holding props of flag poles, spears and rope. The Shakos are seen detailed with a Funker style lighting bolt seen in the centre. The men are seen with rope and some even as seen to the left with tools, such as an axe and even a small rapier blade! The centre can be seen a makeshift guitar A comedic stage performance with a paramilitary theme that would sure get a laugh from workers and Solaten on 2/IR380.
The main wooden sign to the right reads 'KDF , Wanderbuhne !! , II. J.R. 380 ! ' - This translates to KDF (Kraft Durch Freude), Moving Theatre!! , 2/JR 380 ! This sign being used to show the audience the joining of the NSDAP with the KDF to the Heer of 2/JR380 to show a unification of both Political and Military forces.
Seen just in shot further to the right placed above it reads ' Abhören ausländischer Sender ist verboten' which translates to ' Listening to foreign stations is prohibited'.This sign a subtle political gesture stating that listening to foreign stations isn't allowed. The KDF had a silver lining of its events that were organised. The Political influence and pressure of the NSDAP and National Socialism on attendees of the events. Fun and morale were essential for the people of Germany at this time, the KDF providing free events and activities that would bring much joy and enjoyment to the attendees, as the slogan of the KDF states ' Strength Through Joy' that shows the strength of the NSDAP through the Joy of the events. The joy and laughter seen on the faces of these workers in these costumes, a crisp and stunning pre-war photograph.