It’s of interest to me reading the style of content used in (some) WW2 German training manuals.

From comparison to (the) WW2 British I’ve read, they appear to value added characterisation to illustrate desired qualities & outcomes.

Example from the manual below;

1)

The Gruppenführer

‘A good leader, one with a good personality, means a good unit. And a poor leader means a poor unit.

The development of the personality of the Gruppenführer is a most important training objective. He must learn the way to their (his mens) hearts.’

2)

‘Win their confidence by understanding their feelings, their way of thinking and by justice and concern for their welfare.

The subordinate wants to feel his superior has a heart for him, looks after him and intercedes on his behalf.’

3)

'It is only in this way that in the field, the Gruppenführer can be at the same time a stern Father and a kind Mother.’

It’s a fascinating insight to the understanding of psychology & an attempt to instil the required qualities at the lowest leadership level.

#WW2 #SWW

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