The Hitler Youth

• Boys were separated into the Pimpfen (Little Fellows) from the age of 6-10; the Deutsche Jung Volk (German Young People) 10-14; then the Hitler Jugend from 14-18.
• Boys were given political training, including residential courses and a schedule of lessons from ‘German heroes’ to ‘the evil of the Jews’.
• They were expected to swear an oath of loyalty to Hitler and report on any adults, parents included, who expressed disloyalty to the Nazis.
• There would also be physical and military training including camping and hiking expeditions, map reading and even rifle shooting.
• By the age of 14 they could start specialising in naval, flying or motor sections to prepare for specialist military careers.
• There was also character training. The aim was to toughen the boys up, including being plunged into ice cold water and harsh punishments for not following orders.