Figure 1.--This photograph is undated, but looks like the winter of 1944-45 to us. We see both Hitler Youth Boys and soldiers. Two boys in the niddle are trying out optical range finders. We are not sure what we see in the upper-right corner--perhaps the screen of a radar range finder. This appears to be some kind of gathering to train HJ boys in range finding. It is possible the range finders were gong to be used because by this point in the War, the radar defenses had been bombed out. Or perhaps they were used by spotter groups.

This photograph is undated, but looks lke the winter of 1944-45 to us. We see both Hitler Youth Boys and soldiers. Two boys in the niddle are trying out optical range finders. We are not sure what we see in the upper-right corner--perhaps the screen of a radar range finder. This appears to be some kind of gathering to train HJ boys in range finding. It is possible the range finders were gong to be used because by this point in the War, the radar defenses had been bombed out. Or perhaps they were used by spotter groups.

Location

We have no idea where this photogrph was taken. All we know is that it was taken some place in the Reich. They seem to be outdoors in front of a very large old building, perhaps a church. Notice the arches and elaborate doors.

Chronology

This photograph is undated, but looks like the winter of 1944-45 to us. The destruction of the German war industry was in full progress as part of the Allied strategic bombing campaign at this time.

Meeting

This looks to be some sort of meeting associated with the German air defense operation. By this time the Luftwaffe was a spent force, The only defense for German cities was the Fliegerabwehrkanone (Flak batteries). We thought at first it might be some kind of public exhibition. But on reflection, I think it was too late in the War for public exhibitins. We think that Hitller Youth (HJ) boys had been called in to begin training in the air defense operation. Perhaps to train the boy in range finding.

Participants

We see both Hitler Youth Boys and soldiers. We can't tell much about the soldiers s to what branch. I don;t see any Luftwaffe badges. The boys are cearly HJ boys, bothe boys in uniform and civilian clothes. You can tell this by the diamond-shaped badge on their caps. Tge two boys at the front wear other badges, butver can't mke out what they were.

Devices

Two boys in the middle are trying out optical range finders. Notice te tripod stands for the range finder. We are not sure what we see in the upper-right corner--perhaps the screen of a radar rane finder. It is possible the range finders were going to be used because by this point in the War, the radar defenses had been bombed out. Or perhaps they were used by spotter groups.

Reader Comments

A British reader writes, "The photograph here is very interesting. I like what HBC does in showing how children experienced the War, a novel and valuable look at the War. The boys here appear to be well nourished and well clothed." Yes, Hitler was aware of how deprivation on the homefront undermined civilian morale in World War I. Thus the German people for most of the War did not suffer, except for the loss of their loved ones, primarily as axresult of losses on the Eastern Front. The Germans had more access to food for most of the War than theBritish people. The economies of the occupied countries were looted to make sure the German people had adequate food and other comsumer goods, such as clothing from France. Only the Allied Strategic Bombing campaign brought the War home to Germany. And even the bombing had, with a few exceptions, had only a limited impact through 1943. This changed in 1944 with the American introduction of long-rang escorts and after Eisenhower released the 8th Air Force and Bomber Command from supporting the D-Day invasion and the Normandy bridgehead. The intensive bombing finally destroyed the German war economy. This meant desroying the transportation system so that food and fuel could no longer be delivered to the cities. Thus oinly in the winter of 1944-45 did the German people begin to experience hunger.

Created: 6:41 PM 2/9/2008
Last updated: 7:20 PM 2/10/2008