The term ‘HJ’ in the context of World War II refers to the Hitler Youth, a youth organization of the Nazi Party in Germany. Established in 1922, the HJ was designed to educate and train young boys in Nazi ideology and prepare them for future roles as soldiers and loyal citizens of the Third Reich.
Hitler Youth had various activities, including physical training, political education, and indoctrination into Nazi beliefs. By the late 1930s, it became a mandatory organization for boys aged 10 to 18. Members were taught to be dedicated to the Führer, Adolf Hitler, and the principles of Nazism.
In addition to the Hitler Youth, there was also a parallel organization for girls called the Bund Deutscher Mädel (League of German Girls), which aimed to instill similar values in young women.
As the war progressed, the Hitler Youth became increasingly involved in military training, especially as Germany faced shortages in manpower. Toward the end of the war, many young boys were called to fight in the defense of their homeland, often under dire circumstances.