German WWII Hitler Youth Photograph Album

A rare and meticulously researched photograph album containing approximately 90 images. The standard linen-covered album belonged to Trommler (Drummer) John Joost Constant Bayen, a drummer in the Sudost Karten Hitler Youth. The photographs depict HJ groups and marching bands across various Austrian towns including Klagenfurt and Villach, featuring teachers, HJ leaders, a Gauleiter, Wehrmacht officers in uniform, a remembrance ceremony, and meetings with Italian youth leaders at Oberkrain Railway Station, as well as Reich Minister Funk.

Of particular interest, Bayen is seen wearing a DJ buckle, rather than the standard HJ buckle worn by his comrades. Included are four prisoner-of-war cards sent home from Camp No. 142 in Thol Par Pont-D’Ain, France.

The renowned Hitler Youth historian Philip Baker, now deceased, wrote to the previous owner in January 1999, thanking him for the loan of the album. Baker meticulously identified each page and described its contents, noting in particular images 56, 58, and 80 showing Bayen wearing Reich Finance School shoulder boards. The four POW cards contain personal messages to his parents in late 1944 and early 1945.

A magnificent and historically significant Reich Finance School photograph album, expertly researched and presented.

Ref; 95359