Volkssturm#

Volkssturm: Group of men mobilised in the final phase of the Second World War following a decree issued by Hitler on 25 September, 1944, that "all men capable of bearing arms aged 16-60 are called up to support the Wehrmacht forces". Recruitment and command of these troops were put in the hands of the gauleiter, while the organisation, equipment and deployment of troops were handled by the Reich High Commander of the SS ("Reichsfuehrer SS") H. Himmler. In the final phase of the war, even physically disabled persons and old people had to serve as guards and secretaries. The Volkssturm troops were poorly trained and armed and suffered heavy losses.