Were Women Allowed in the Military in Nazi Germany?

Yes, women were indeed allowed to serve in the military of Nazi Germany, albeit in roles that were not directly combat-oriented. The complexity of their involvement varies, and it is essential to understand the context of World War II in Nazi Germany to fully appreciate the nuances of their service.

Service in Non-Combat Roles

The majority of women in the military served in administrative and support capacities rather than in combat units. For instance, they worked in munitions factories, repairing and building aircraft for the Luftwaffe, and served as administrative personnel in concentration and POW camps. Notably, some women, such as Hanna Reitsch, a renowned test pilot who served from 1937 through the end of the war, even held high military honors, including multiple classes of the Iron Cross.

Emergence in Combat Roles

As the war progressed and the need for labor became desperate, women began to take on roles that were previously reserved for men. This was particularly evident in the Flak (fliegerabwehrkanone), Antiaircraft artillery, where by mid-1944, approximately half of the soldiers were women. These women played a critical role in defending German territory, often facing harsh and dangerous conditions.

Risk and Casualties

Although exact casualty figures are unknown, the number of female soldiers captured is significant. As the war drew to a close, many women were armed for self-defense against the advancing Soviet troops. According to Kilius (2004), at least 20,000 women died in Soviet prisoner-of-war camps, illustrating the high stakes and harsh realities they faced.

Collapse of the Front

As the war neared its end and the Russians advanced into Berlin house by house, women from the home guard were mobilized. Even though their intentions were for women to remain at home, Nazi Germany's war logistics required more hands. By the time the Wehrmacht's home guard took up arms, it was too late to make much of a difference.

Concentration Camp Guard Service

While many women served in various military and civilian capacities, some women were also used as guards in concentration camps. This role was highly controversial and aligned with the Nazi regime's broader efforts to maintain control over their territories through violence and oppression.

It is crucial to remember that the Nazi ideology promoting the "Kinder Küche Kirche" (children, kitchen, church) was a facade. As war progressed, reality demanded a broader role for women beyond their traditional spheres. Their service, while limited in combat roles, was significant and remains a complex and sometimes overlooked part of the history of World War II in Nazi Germany.