Through Innocent Eyes: The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth

by Cynthia A Sandor, Jeanne M Onuska (Editor)

Overview

Enter a world brimming with pagan rituals, stirring songs, and enchanting folklore that shapes Austria born Gertrude's remarkable journey during her time in the League of German Girls. As a thirteen-year-old chosen girl of the Third Reich, Gertrude embarks on a monumental adventure into Poland (formerly Niederschlesien). Amidst the turbulent times in 1941 and one-hundred thousand girls strong, Gertrude emerges as a symbol of resilience and unwavering devotion to her nation. From her private journal, "Through Innocent Eyes" weaves historical accuracy with a captivating narrative, inviting readers to delve deep into a world of history, strength, and unbreakable spirit. A story of self-discovery, sacrifice, and the indomitable bonds emerge between Gertrude and her roommates, Ellie, Nelly, Steffi, and Marie in the Country Service Year Camp (Landjahr Lager) program. After completing the program, Gertrude returns home and finds work as a server in the Black Eagle Hotel in Mariazell. When the SS arrive, she flees in the middle of the night back to her hometown in Kleinzell. When the Russians enter her small village, Gertrude and her mother flee charging bullets and race to the American Zone in Linz. The city is bombed and Germany looses the war. In 1945, With thousands of women, Gertrude and her mother become ruble woman. By 1946, Gertrude meets then marries her first love, PFC Robert Sandor from the 87th Infantry Division and return to America making their home in Greenwich, Ct. Includes 51 photos.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780578177243
Publisher:	Bdm History
Publication date:	04/20/2018
Pages:	366
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.76(d)

About the Author

Born into a military family, Cynthia's passion for history led her to author "Through Innocent Eyes - The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth," based upon her mother's original journal and establish her publishing venture, BDM History. Her literary repertoire includes a short memoir, "Reflections - The Story of Dorothy Swanson - Wife of an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper," "BDM History Collection - The Young Girls Achievement Badge," and "Girls in Service - The Official Manual of the Bund Deutcher Mädel." Turner Publishing Company published her work "Europe to New York City on the United States - July 6, 1957" in the "50th Anniversary Maiden Voyage Edition - S.S. United States Fastest Ship in the World," by Frank Braynard and Robert Hudson Westover. Cynthia's writings have graced the pages of "Guitar for the Practicing Musician," "Biker Ally Magazine," "Tampa Bay Times," and "The Greenwich Times." Additionally, she produced three television shows for Pinellas County Public Access Television in Clearwater, FL, and honed her craft at the Travel Channel Academy. Her piece "The Crab King of Tampa Bay" was a highlight on Anthony Bourdain's show "What's Your Trip?" Beforehand, she worked at John Denver's Music publishing company in Greenwich, Ct. Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Development from Eckerd College and she is a former member of Toastmasters. Cynthia currently resides in Conneaut, Ohio with her Chihuahua, Little One. At this time, Cynthia is focusing on publishing additional BDM books in English. More information can be found at her website: bdmhistory.com

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgement

Part One: Preparing to Become a Hitler Youth

• 1931
• Trudel Prepares for Service
• Trudel Registers for Service
• Josefa's Painful Past
• Preparatory Service
• Sports Afternoon
• First Social Evening Meeting
• The Meaning of the Flag
• Hike on the Reisalpe
• The Myth of the Wild Flower

Part Two: Becoming a Member of the Hitler Youth

• Induction Ceremony
• Duties of the BDM Girls

Part Three: Country Service Year Camp

• Traveling to Our New Camp
• Arriving at Camp Seidorf
• Political Evening
• First Day at Camp
• New Girls Arrive at Camp
• Becoming a Leader Candidate
• Walpurgis Night
• Celebrating with the Farmers
• Cross of Honor of the German Mother
• Our Workplace
• Home Economics
• Newspaper Report
• Freedom of the Flame
• We Help with the Harvest
• The Big Trip
• We Practice for our RJA Badge
• Harvesting the Potatoes
• Pig Baptism
• Pig Slaughter
• Our Last Visit with the Farmers
• Our First Snow
• Last Week at Camp Seidorf
• Remembering Your Mama
• Baptism of Fire
• Post WWII - Linz, Austria
• This Way to the United States

Appendix A: Brief History of the Hitler Youth

Appendix B: The Landjahr Lager Program

Characters in Order of Appearance

Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

"Cynthia has presented in pedantic detail the daily experiences of her mother during her mandatory service in the Hitler Youth in the most compelling and easy to read way. From the time of her initiation until her completed training at Landjahr Lager Seidorf, the book brings to the reader new perspectives and an intimate first-hand accounting of the purpose, ideology, and daily routines of the Hitler Youth Movement as experienced by Gertrude Kerschner. These details will dispel many possible misconceptions or skewed perspectives of the League of German Girls." Paul E. Fischer - President The German Cultural Society of Erie, PA

"Through Innocent Eyes" is the fascinating biography of Gertrude Kerschner and her time as a BDM girl in the elite rural educational program called Country Service Year Camp. I was captivated by the steady indoctrination of Gertrude as she progressed from her time in the Young Girls League to becoming a "Girl in Service" for her country. The reader is given a chronological account into the progress of what the BDM girls learned every step of the way. Every chapter builds upon the prior, giving an insightful look into Gertrude's personal world." Jeanne M. Onuska - CEO - European Military Historical Society, Conneaut, Ohio

From the Publisher