I find it hard to imagine how these young boys actually fight against the allied troops at the Normandy beach, or am I wrong?
How old were they actually and any info is most welcome.
2007-02-09 00:24:06 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Hitler Youth were expected to go on into the armed forces as they achieved physical maturity. As the war dragged on and exerted increasing demands on Germany's young men, the age at which a young man was permitted to enlist or could be conscripted (drafted) was more and more ignored. There were young men in uniform facing those Allied troops storming ashore on June 6th, 1944 who had been Hitler Youth - many of them as young as 15 and 16 - so the answer to your question is "yes".
2007-02-09 01:04:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
The 12th SS Panzer Division "Hitler Jugend" was comprised of former members of the Hitler Youth. The ages ran from 16 to 17 years of age for the recruits. Normally before entering the armed forces German youths were required to go through the RAD labor service. However, the members of the HJ division went straight into the SS and fought their first battle in Normandy. They were known for the fanatical defense in the region around Caan and Bayeux against the British and Canadian forces. Contrary to "Saving Private Ryan" the British and Canadians faced the toughest opposition in that the engaged troops of the elite SS-Panzer Corps (along with the Hitler Youth division.)
2007-02-09 00:56:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the 12th SS Division "Hitler Jugend" fought at Normandy, and they fought against the Canadians. You may fight it hard to imagine today, but these young boys (age 16 -18) were brought up to fight for "One People. One State. One Leader."
2007-02-09 00:53:38 · answer #3 · answered by WMD 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
They were fighting on D-Day. The youngest official age in 1945 was 12 years old. They fought viciously but still were unable to stave the flood of Allied Troops.
2007-02-09 00:35:13 · answer #4 · answered by Love YHWH with all of oneself 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They were part of the 12 SS Panzer Division....Hitlerjugend, led by Kurt "Panzer" Meyer, at 33, the youngest divisional commander of both sides during the war....
2007-02-09 04:04:46 · answer #5 · answered by Its not me Its u 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They fought in the Battle of the Bulge as I understand it, so although I'm not sure about Normandy, it's highly probable. They were in there early or middle teens, anyhow.
2007-02-09 00:28:59 · answer #6 · answered by Joe C 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋