DRK Ausweisbuch für weibliche Hilfskräfte – Mülheim-Ruhr

An original and highly interesting Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross) Ausweisbuch für weibliche Hilfskräfte issued to Anneliese Steil, complete with portrait photograph, official stamps and an accompanying Führungszeugnis (Certificate of Good Conduct).

This booklet documents several years of DRK training and service prior to the Second World War and records her progression from Samariterin (First Aid Worker) to Helferin (Helper).

The booklet was first issued through the Vaterländischer Frauenverein (Patriotic Women’s Association), Mülheim-Ruhr branch, on 4 June 1936, and includes numerous official DRK and police authentication stamps.

Historical Summary

Unlike later wartime DRK service books, this example documents the structured peacetime training of female Red Cross personnel during the period immediately preceding the Second World War.

The owner, Anneliese Steil, was born on 10 November 1916 in Mülheim an der Ruhr.

She completed several official DRK medical courses:

• Helferin (Helper) Course
• Samariterin Course

Official certification as:

• Samariterin in 1936
• Helferin in 1937

The booklet also records continuing education (“Fortbildung”) during 1937, including medical and first aid refresher courses.