THW Marks 75 Years of Saving Lives at Home and Abroad
The Technisches Hilfswerk (THW), a German civil defense organization, is marking its 75th anniversary this year. Established in 1950 by Gustav Heinemann and Otto Lummitzsch, the THW has evolved significantly, now specializing in international deployments. The Bavarian State Association of THW is hosting a reception for 350 members in Munich to celebrate this milestone.
The THW's importance has grown recently, particularly with the invasion of Russia into Ukraine. The organization has expanded its competencies in emergency supply and restoration since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Last year, THW Bavaria volunteers dedicated countless hours to aid communities affected by flooding in the south of Bavaria caused by low-pressure system 'Orinoco'.
In 2021, thousands of Bavarian THW forces were on site to combat the damage caused by the flood in the Ahr valley. The organization's international presence is notable, with Bavarian THW forces providing technical assistance abroad in 2023, including in Slovenia and Turkey. They also supported wildfire efforts in Spain in 2025 using the 'German Forest Fire Module'.
With around 16,000 volunteers in Bavaria, the THW remains committed to protecting the population, both at home and abroad. As it marks its 75th anniversary, the organization looks back on a history of service and adaptation, from its wartime origins to its current role in international disaster response.
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