HJ Flak Helpers Cap

Product Description: This HJ Flak Helpers Cap is a textbook example of this desirable late war cap, that appears to have actually been worn. These were intended for wear by the HJ Flakhelfer, child soldiers tasked with operating anti-tank guns in combat in the war’s final months. This is the standard, low profile, single button cap used by this organization. The exterior is made from coarse late war Luftwaffe blue wool, with contrasting stitching. The diamond emblem of the Hitlerjugend is a typical Bevo version, factory machine stitched to the front of the cap with straight stitching. There is no mothing, no stains, holes or other damage to the wool. Inside, this HJ Flak Helpers Cap is lined with a blue artificial silk, made of rayon. The lining has a quilted appearance, with rows of gray stitching. There is some grime in the forehead area from wear, but the lining remains intact with no holes or tears. The piece is well marked, with the size “58,” the year “44” and an RB number manufacturer code that is commonly seen on these Flakhelfer caps. There are also some numbers stamped above the RB number, again a typical feature for these caps. This nice M43 style cap displays very well, and is in outstanding condition. These caps are getting harder to find.

Historical Description: The first Nazi youth organization was created in Germany in 1922. In 1926, this organization took on the name “Hitlerjugend” (Hitler Youth) and by 1930, it had over 25,000 members. From 1933 to 1945, the Hitler Youth was the only official youth organization in Germany. The Hitler Youth was for boys aged 14 to 18, and also included the “Deutsche Jungvolk” for boys aged 10 to 14, and the “Bund deutsche Mädel” for German girls. This was primarily a paramilitary organization. Members learned military skills, such as drill and marching, and were arranged in units with a command structure similar to that of the military. These units were subject to political lectures and other types of indoctrination using Nazi propaganda. By December of 1936, the Hitlerjugend had over 5 million members. During WWII, The Hitler Youth assisted the German postal service and the Reich national railways, among other tasks. By the end of the war, Hitler Youth members were being deployed in combat as anti-aircraft gunners attached as auxiliaries to the Luftwaffe, and as members of the Volkssturm militia units. Hitler Youth personnel had a wide variety of uniforms and headgear, including tan summer uniforms, wool winter uniforms, and specialized clothing for sports competitions or special units. These uniforms were worn with a wide variety of different insignia which designated specific functions and units. Headgear ranged from simple field caps and ski caps, to specialized equipment. Hitler Youth members were also eligible to earn a range of awards. At the end of the war, the Hitlerjugend was disbanded, and later banned by the German criminal code.

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