Volkssturm – Hitler’s Last Line of Defense

The Volkssturm was a German national militia formed in the final months of World War II, consisting of men aged 16 to 60 who were not already in military service. Ordered into existence by Adolf Hitler in October 1944, it was a desperate attempt to defend the collapsing Third Reich. Poorly trained, under-equipped, and often consisting of old men and young boys, the Volkssturm fought in hopeless battles against advancing Soviet and Allied forces. Though many showed courage, the Volkssturm symbolized the tragic and futile final stand of Nazi Germany as the war neared its end.