Relationship of SA to Volksturm?

sid guttridge · Post by **sid guttridge** » Sat Sep 06, 2003 6:55 am

The SA and Volksturm were both organised by the Nazi Party and both recruited older WWI veterans.

Was there any SA input into the creation of the Volksturm beyond supplying some of its manpower?

Were Volksturm units ever based on pre-existing SA units?

Did SA members tend to end up in command of Volksturm units?

Cheers,

Sid.

KampfgruppeMeyer · Post by **KampfgruppeMeyer** » Sun Sep 14, 2003 10:27 pm

Intersting question. I would assume that since SA was a nazi org., that it was differen't. However, some SA members conceivably were members of volksturm. that is all i know

Carcano · Post by **Carcano** » Sun Oct 19, 2003 2:43 am

The SA was usually entrusted with the basic training of Volkssturm units, where such was feasible (in the same way as they trained the Hitlerjugend).

Alexander

battalionsfuhrer tiburzy · Tue Oct 21, 2003 9:18 pm

hi sid,

Interesting you bring up the topic. Imodel wwii german figures, and i thought it be cool to produce an obscure figure. Something other than heer, ss, luftwaffe,etc. I actually converted a verlinden overcoat soldier into a volksturm Battalionsfuhrer (major) named Ernst tiburzy. !st volksturm ever to awarded knights cross for knocking out five soviet tanks feb. 28 1945 oder front with panzerfausts. I found out thrgh my research that Senior volksturm positions or volksturm battalion commanders positions were usually held NSDAP or SA officers wearing their own uniforms. I painted this figures coat brown and his rank had a black collar patch on left side with 4 pips indicating his rank as battalionsfuhrer. these officers would wear an armband on their coat that would say 'Deutscher Volksturm' with a large eagle. Ernst also wore a RMBO or eastern Ministry officials cap with fur ear flaps on the oder front. I don't know alot about Ernst other than what i read about him on oder front, but it sounds like he served in nazi party somewhere in russia. so to help answer your question. I do believe SA served in volksturm.

sid guttridge · Post by **sid guttridge** » Fri Oct 24, 2003 4:28 am

Hi KgM, Carcano and Battalionsfuhrer Tiburzy,

Thanks for filling in some of the gaps in the picture.

Can anyone recommend a book on the Volksturm?

Cheers,

Sid.

Richard Hargreaves · Post by **Richard Hargreaves** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 4:10 pm

There's no direct link between the SA and Volkssturm; the two were separate Party organisations. That said, SA leaders expected their men to join the Volkssturm as a matter of course.

This is an extract from a speech by Wilhelm Schepmann, SA Chief-of-Staff, on November 18th 1944: "SA men! The Führer has called working men to arms. The strength of the entire nation is summoned in the Volkssturm. At this critical point in the war, it is important to ensure that the decision falls in our favour. The Volkssturm is fighting on the raging borders of the Reich. It will defend its beloved Fatherland to the last breath. The SA will use all its fighting strength and all the experience of its National Socialist and military education in the Volkssturm. At this grave hour, the SA renews its vow of action and belief in the Führer. Wherever the SA man stands in the ranks of the Volkssturm, he must perform his duty with an ardent heart, National Socialist thoroughness and the selfless devotion he always practises. I expect SA leaders in particular to set an example and be champions of the National Socialist ideal through their willingness and actions. Hail the Führer!"

The best book is Franz Seidler's Deutscher Volkssturm: Das letzte Aufgebot. The only English account is David Yelton's Hitler's Volkssturm, which is excellently researched but really an academic book rather than military history.

sid guttridge · Post by **sid guttridge** » Tue Jan 06, 2004 3:36 am

Hi Halder,

Thanks very much.

I shall certainly follow up both the sources you give next time I am in the British Library.

Cheers,

Sid.