A historian revealed that Nazi Germany’s top schools were in close contact with British boarding schools during the 1930s. They used models such as Eton, Harrow, and Winchester.
This is the first detailed history of these Nazi-run schools. They were created to prepare future Nazi leaders. It also reveals the intercultural exchanges that they had with leading English schools prior to the Second World War.
Helen Roche from Durham University has written a book that is based on 80 archive records in six different countries, and witnesses testimonies of more than 100 former pupils.
It was discovered that pupils of the elite National Socialist school Napolas participated in exchanges and tournaments with students from British schools like Eton, Harrow and Winchester.
A historian revealed that Nazi Germany’s elite schools had close ties with British boarding schools during the 1930s. They used models such as Eton, Harrow, and Winchester. Above: Pupils and staff at the Napola in Ballenstedt, north-east Germany, prepare for a football match with a team from an unidentified school bfrom the UK, spring 1937
This is the first detailed history of these Nazi-run schools. They were established to prepare future Nazi leaders. It also reveals the intercultural exchanges that they had with English top schools prior to the Second World War. Above: In the late1940s, this is the reading room of National Political Educational Institution Rugen.
Participation in such exchanges was seen by Napola schoolchildren as cultural ambassadors for “new Germany”.
The research of Dr Roche showed that British public schools had been a great model for Napolas. This was something the Nazis then studied, and eventually tried to imitate.
Archive show that one German education inspector frequently praised British public school for their character-forming qualities.
Throughout the 1930s Napolas organized annual exchanges of students with English top schools.
Durham University’s Dr Helen Roche has written a book that is based upon research in 80 archives across six countries as well as witness testimony from over 100 former students. Above: One of the marching bands from a school at National Political Educational Institution Rugen in 1943
It was discovered by her that, between 1934-1939, students of Napolas National Socialist Elite School, the highest-ranking type, participated in sporting and exchange tournaments alongside boys from British Public Schools, such as Eton. Above: Eton student pictured in 1939
Napola’s Napola schoolchildren participated in cultural exchanges. They were thought to be serving the role of ambassadors for the new Germany. Above: The Leys School, Cambridge 1940. Leys School collaborated also with elite German schools
The records show that attitudes between masters and boys changed as the relationship between them deteriorated.
Dr Roche stated that in the beginning of the exchange program, English masters and boys often believed what they had seen in Nazi Germany or at the Napolas was somehow superior to England’s.
“There was a sense that Britain should emulate Germany’s racial confidence and admiration for their physical and mental strength.
Dr Roche stated that in the beginning of the exchange program, English masters and boys often believed what they had seen in Nazi Germany or at the Napolas was superior to England’s. Above: Pupils at the National Political Educational Institution Rugen (NPEA Rugen) engage in shooting practice in 1944
Napolas were established in 1933 in order to indoctrinate future Nazi Germany political leaders. Above: Photographs of orchestra practicing at the National Political Educational Institution Rugen, 1943
Harrow School students are given a lesson on baseball by American Airmen from the 225th Photo Recce Wing, and the 305th Bomber Group. This was June 1945.
Napolas were established in 1933 in order to indoctrinate future Nazi Germany political leaders.
Their primary focus was on military and physical training. In 1939 there had already been 16 and in 1945, 43.
The medical certificates that showed outstanding “Aryan” racial or physical characteristics were required for students to be admitted.
When competing in athletic competitions, applicants had to demonstrate courage and aggression.
Because Nazi Germany lacked skilled teachers, education standards in schools were not good and dropped further after the paramilitary organization, the SS, took complete control.
Napolas prioritised military and personal training. In 1939 there had already been 16 and in 1945, 43. Above: Biology and Chemistry lessons at National Political Educational Institution Rugen (NPEA Rugen) during the early1940s
After presenting a valid medical certificate that demonstrated outstanding “Aryan” racial or physical characteristics, students were allowed to enter the school. Above: The pupils rush to clean and brush their teeth in preparation for breakfast at the National Political Educational Institution Rugen.
When competing in athletic competitions, the applicants also needed to demonstrate courage and aggression. Above: In 1943, woodwork was done at the National Political Educational Institution Rugen.
The lack of qualified teachers in Nazi Germany meant that the education standards were low. This was further exacerbated when the paramilitary organization the SS assumed complete control. Above: A rollcall was made at National Political Educational Institution Rugen, and the flag is saluted at that location during the early 1940s.
She said, “We can see exchange program as providing a microcosm of more general attitudes towards the Nazi regime in Britain on behalf of middle-and upper-class British citizens – not entirely convinced by the goals and ideals of Third Reich but still willing to give German counterparts credit until Nazi belligerence reached it’s fatal climax.”
Oxford University Press published The Third Reich’s Elite Schools-A History Of The Napolas.
The Hitler Youth is better known than the Napolas. It was established by Hitler to train and educate German youth in Nazi principles.
Oxford University Press published The Third Reich’s Elite Schools-A History Of The Napolas
In 1935, nearly 60% of young males had joined the movement. All young ‘Aryan German’ Germans were encouraged to sign up.
German boys reached 10 years old when Hitler Youth was registered.
They would be admitted to the Deutsches Jungvolk, a feeder organization for German Young People, if their background – even their “racial purity” – was up-to-standard.
They would then be eligible to join the Hitler Youth at 13 years old. The Hitler Youth members graduate at 18
The members were required to adhere to Nazi doctrine and to live without parental supervision.
There were also separate organisations for girls – the League of German Girls (Bund Deutscher Mädel) and Jungmädel (‘Young Girls).
This was available to girls aged between 10-14 years old, while the members age of the former ranged from 14-18.
It taught the girls domestic skills, motherhood, and camaraderie.