The SA or Sturmabteihing (Storm Division; commonly known as the Storm Troopers) was originally organized in 1921when Hitler brought together tested brawlers in the early days of his political ascendency in Munchen. At that time, the SA primarily consisted of WWI veterans. By the time Hitler became chancellor in 1933 its ranks had risen to nearly 700,000. In the ensuing months, however, the SA hierarchy lost favor with Hitler and in 1934 some 50 SA leaders were murdered by the SS on his orders. Even so, by 1938, its membership was over a million. With the outbreak of WWII in 1939, the SA took over the training of military conscripts.

Postally used Niirnberg Rally Photo Card No. 253/24
It would appear from the notation on the card’s photo side (Freigegeben v. RLM, i.e., Released by RLM.) that the original photograph was not taken by Prof. Heinrich Hoffmann, the vaunted Reichsbildberichterstatter der NSDAP. (Photo Correspondent of the NSDAP.)