In the final phase of the war, a large number of men between the ages of 16 and 60 capable of bearing arms were mobilized in the name of the "German People's Storm" for deployment at the front. The National Socialist propaganda! writes on the back of the picture on 3.11.1944: "The Wehrmacht report has already repeatedly emphasized the successful deployment of East Prussian Volkssturm battalions in repelling the Soviet mass onslaught. More and more new battalions are being formed and trained. For this training, among others, the Panzer Grenadier Division 'Grossdeutschland' has also provided proven front-line fighters. In a very short time, under their guidance, the experienced World War II soldiers and the younger cohorts, pre-trained in military sports and in military training camps, learn how to handle the modern weapons. - An instructor of the division 'Grossdeutschland' practices with his Volkssturm men how to proceed in the field." Photo: Fotoarchiv fuer Zeitgeschichte/Archiv [Quality deficiencies due to historical image]. [automated translation]
