BDM award question

[Rikster]

Would it be (theoretically) possible for a BDM member to qualify for the same awards as HJ members Shooting/riding etc?

any ideas?
cheers, Rikster

[Don Scowen]

Would it be (theoretically) possible for a BDM member to qualify for the same awards as HJ members Shooting/riding etc?

any ideas?
cheers, Rikster

I don't know to be honest. But in the early days especially, although the girls took part in sports & fitness they were encouraged to be good mothers, cooks & wives etc. I doubt whether they would have had the opertunity to do the "fun" things that the boys did.

Cheers
Don

[Brad Haner]

Rik,

The BDM basicly traveled a different path than the HJ.The HJ recieved military,sport,cultural and leadership training.While the BDM were trained in family,nursing,domestics and sport.There were indeed a number of awards both were eligible for.Such as sport,land year,and trade competitions.While I do not know if any were given,they could be eligible for the HJ honor badges...as with all things during the 3rd Reich circumstances dictated the thinking.During the war,the BDM served as nurses,flak helpers,transportation attendants,postal clerks,air raid spotters and emergency services,and in some rare cases,volunteers in the occupied territories(BDM Osteinsatz).Thus,in those capacities they could be eligible for bravery awards.I have a photo(somewhere around here ) that shows BDM girls being awarded the KVK w/swords 2nd class.I believe one of the HJ references even shows a BDM girl wearing a IC 2nd class.I doubt very much that any of them perticipated in shooting or glider training so those awards most likely are a no.Equestrian awards seem likely but doubtful,since the girls had such a different training schedule.

Want to know more,Rik......just ask.By the way I am still thrilled to have that album .

Brad