This book consists of two parts: 1. Hitler Youth and the Hitlerjugend at war. The youth movement in Germany started as early as the 1920's and when Kurt Gruber took charge, the movement was officially called "Hitler Jugend" in 1926. By 1933, the membership rose to 2,300,000 youths. The underage boys were trained in all sorts of military skills including marksmen. Throughout the war, Hitler Jugend were involved, especially during the last days of the Reich, when Hitler Jugend fought alongside the Volkssturm defending the Fatherland. 2. The 12.SS-Panzer-Division "Hitlerjugend" was formed in 1943. Many high rank officers were transferred from LSSAH including Fritz Witt, Kurt Meyer and Wilhelm Mohnke. The division was ready for action in the spring of 1944. The baptism of fire came when the Allies landed in Normandy and the division was thrown into battle against the Canadians. The division was enveloped in the Falaise pocket and survivors fought a series of rear guard actions as they withdrew from France towards Belgian, finally back to Germany. In December 1944, the division took part in the Ardennes Offensive. In 1945, the division was transferred to Hungary to fight against the Soviets and subsequently surrendered to the Americans in Austria on 8 May, 1945. Tom Cockle provides very informative and accurate text on the Hitler Youth and 12.SS-Panzer-Division "Hitlerjugend", backed up by many rare photos, especially those depicting boys in arms. As usual in this series, Ronald Volstad provides us with four high quality color plates, a good reference for modelers on the Hitler Jugend at war. |
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