Description
Physical description
Rectangular flag with a red field, has a large white disc to centre edged with a narrow inner black border which in turn is edged with a white border. Set on the white disc is a large black upright swastika and this is outlined with a narrow white line, and then a slightly broader black border to the edges of the arms. The ends of arms of the swastika are not cut at right angles, but follow the line of the circumference of the black circle. Set in the upper left portion of the flag is an eagle & swastika in white, edged in black, with the eagle's head facing toward the hoist. A length of rope is threaded and sewn into the heading, with the ends terminating in identical metal spring clips at upper and bottom hoist edges, permitting the flag to be flown. The flag shows much wear.
Label
The Reichsdienstflagge (Reich Service Flag) was used from 7 November 1935, to be used on all public service buildings, German state railways, the Reichsautobahn and Reichsbank authorities. A smaller version was also permitted for display on service vehicles. Certain vessels of the Kriegsmarine were authorised to fly this flag when they were excluded the right to fly the conventional Reichskriegsflagge.
History note
This German Reichsdienstflagge was captured by Corporal Jack Pinnes/Pearce of 246 Petrol Depot, Royal Army Service Corps, in northwest Europe, 1944-45. Pinnes, born in 1905, had been involved in the British anti-fascist movement in the 1930's and helped to organise resistance to the march of Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists through London's East End in October 1936 (known as the Battle of Cable Street). As a staunch anti-fascist, Pinnes volunteered for British Army service after the outbreak of the Second World War and arrived in Normandy in early July 1944 as part of 246 Petrol Depot, RASC. Pinnes kept this flag with him throughout his unit's advance through France and Germany and often used it as a doormat on which he would wipe his feet when entering as a reminder of what Britain was fighting against.