S1 • E4 Mar 1, 2000 45m
Looks at how youngsters in the Hitler Youth were utilised on the home front and in combat during the Second World War, as firefighters, industry workers, and messengers, and ultimately as fighting units. Looks at how all the training and Nazi ideology instilled in them in previous years led to a mind-set of fierce loyalty, and romantic views of battle, glory and heroic death. Considers their exploitation and sinister attempts to desensitize and toughen them up through encouragement of cruelty to animals and ruthlessness. Veterans from all sides comment on the fanaticism and effectiveness of Hitler Youth regiments in the front line battles in France and Belgium.
