Czech WW2 Revolutionary Guard armband
Immediately following the Prague Uprising on May 5, 1945, and the subsequent liberation of Czechoslovakia, there was a massive power vacuum. Regular military and police forces were disorganized or had been disbanded during the German occupation.
To restore order, guard key installations, and handle the capitulation and internment of German forces, the Czechoslovak government authorized the creation of the Revolutionary Guards (RG).
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The Members: The RG consisted of local Czech volunteers, former resistance fighters, and mobilized citizens.
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The Reputation: While many units performed standard police and guarding duties with discipline, some unsanctioned groups engaged in severe retaliations, looting, and violence against the departing German population. Because of this, they were often colloquially and mockingly referred to by locals as the "Rabovací gardy" (Looting Guards).
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Dissolution: Due to their lack of professional training and the controversial nature of some units, the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of the Interior officially ordered the disarmament and dissolution of the RG in July and August 1945.
The Armband details
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The Design: Because standard uniforms were not immediately available, members wore civilian clothes or a mix of military gear, and were legally identified solely by these white linen armbands stamped with the bold red letters "RG".
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The Stamp: On the right side, there is a circular ink stamp. This is the official unit or municipal stamp (the razítko) that legally validated the armband so that civilians knew the wearer was an authorized guard rather than an imposter.
This is a very famous and highly sought-after piece of Czech history, marking the chaotic, tense transition period immediately following the end of the war in Europe.
