Summary 11 - The changing impact of war on the youth

Question 1

When did membership of the HJ and BDM become compulsory?

Answer 1

In 1939

Question 2

What was the emphasis of HJ and BDM?

Answer 2

To train children for their future role as soldiers or mothers.

Question 3

State the age for military conscript throughout the war?

Answer 3

1940: 19
1941 : 18
1943 : 17
1945 : 16

Question 4

In 1942, what did many young Germans have to help with?

Answer 4

The harvest

Question 5

When were 16 and 17 year old boys conscripted as military auxiliaries?

Answer 5

1943

Question 6

In 1943, a special unit of Waffen SS was set up consisting of boys aged 16-18. Where did they see action?

Answer 6

They saw action at the Battle of Normandy in 1944.

Question 7

When was conscription into the Home Guard introduced?

Answer 7

1945

Question 8

How young were some of the boys that were conscripted into Volkssturm, the force to defend Germany.

Answer 8

12 years old

Question 9

Where did some of the boys as young as 12 see action?

Answer 9

Some young boys saw action in the battle to defend Berlin.