Formation of the Volkssturm

On 25 September 1944 Adolf Hitler orders the formation of the „Volkssturm“: All non-combatant men between 16 and 60 years of age still capable of bearing arms are to be mobilised for the defence of the „home soil“ and for assuring Germany’s „final victory“. In the following months the „Hitler Youth“ and older men – poorly armed and badly trained at best –  are forced into a hopeless struggle against a completely superior opponent.

© Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin Nation socialist propaganda („For freedom and life - Volkssturm“) ...

© lonesentry.com ... and reality in war: members of the Volkssturm in February 1945