How many people joined the edelweiss pirates

However, it is clearly stated that these were only suspicions. The authorities knew that members of the Edelweiss Pirates prided themselves on their appearance in the sense that it was very much non-militaristic.

However, the activities of the Pirates did not endear themselves to Heinrich Himmler who required all Germans to be totally obedient. He ordered a crackdown on all youths who seemed to be failing in their total loyalty to Hitler and the Nazi state.

In a letter from Himmler to Reinhard Heydrich January the head of the SS wrote that a half-measured approach to any youth groups that failed to show total loyalty was unacceptable and that members of any such groups had to be dealt with accordingly.

Himmler told Heydrich that labour and work camps were inappropriate. It must be made clear that they will never be allowed to go back to their studies. We must investigate how much encouragement they have had from their parents. If they have encouraged them, then they should also be put into a concentration camp and have their property confiscated.

July 20, February 24, History and information on the Cologne World War II resistance movement, the Edelweiss Pirates, and the documentary about their struggle. Visit the new DW website Take a look at the beta version of dw. Go to the new dw. More info OK. Wrong language? Change it here DW.

COM has chosen English as your language setting. COM in 30 languages. Deutsche Welle. Audiotrainer Deutschtrainer Die Bienenretter. Culture Campaigning for Cologne's Maligned Resistance They wore their hair long, sang songs by banned Jewish composers and fought the Nazi regime. Both boys and girls were members of the Cologne resistance. Remembering the "White Rose" 60 years ago, on Feb. Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

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