The purpose of the Landdienst was to work the land and to promote careers in agriculture among Germany's youth. It was tasked with making agriculture an attractive and worthwhile alternative to life in the towns and cities. Landdienst members were paid employees who worked closely with farmers in order to increase production. In 1939 there were 50,000 Landdienst members. Of those who took part in the Landdienst programme in 1937 10% stayed on and began careers in farming. In 1938 this figure rose to 20%.
Landdienst personnel could be found working in groups on large farms (after 1936 this was extended to cover smaller holdings). The former were called 'Betriebsgruppen' and the latter were the 'Dorfgruppen'. The large Betriebsgruppen had their own hostel (Heim) which contained sleeping quarters, a meeting room, a leader conference room and washing facilities. The Dorfgruppen were accommodated by the farmer and the farmers were required to make sure that adequate facilities were available. The provision of a hostel (including the inventory) was the responsibility of the local Reichsnährstand Bauernführer (farmers' leader).
A Landdienstgruppe consisted of at least 10 boys or girls and one leader but some groups had as many as 40 members. A Landdienstgefolgschaft consisted of anywhere between 5 and 15 of these groups.
In essence the Landdienst members were ideologically sound and highly-motivated and their job, or rather vocation, was to assist farmers in the running of their farms. The ultimate goal was that the Landdienst members (and those volunteers completing their Landjahr) would eventually become farmers themselves. Himmler took a great interest in the Landdienst and many Landdienst members eventually joined the SS and indeed were given preferential treatment in order to make this an easy transition.
Landdienst members' contracts stipulated that they work 54 hours/week including 3 hours on Sundays. During periods of high workload this could be increased to 60 hours/week. Landdienst leaders received extra pay of RM3,50/month.
If anyone needs more info on the Landdienst let me know.
Landdienst personnel could be found working in groups on large farms (after 1936 this was extended to cover smaller holdings). The former were called 'Betriebsgruppen' and the latter were the 'Dorfgruppen'. The large Betriebsgruppen had their own hostel (Heim) which contained sleeping quarters, a meeting room, a leader conference room and washing facilities. The Dorfgruppen were accommodated by the farmer and the farmers were required to make sure that adequate facilities were available. The provision of a hostel (including the inventory) was the responsibility of the local Reichsnährstand Bauernführer (farmers' leader).
A Landdienstgruppe consisted of at least 10 boys or girls and one leader but some groups had as many as 40 members. A Landdienstgefolgschaft consisted of anywhere between 5 and 15 of these groups.
In essence the Landdienst members were ideologically sound and highly-motivated and their job, or rather vocation, was to assist farmers in the running of their farms. The ultimate goal was that the Landdienst members (and those volunteers completing their Landjahr) would eventually become farmers themselves. Himmler took a great interest in the Landdienst and many Landdienst members eventually joined the SS and indeed were given preferential treatment in order to make this an easy transition.
Landdienst members' contracts stipulated that they work 54 hours/week including 3 hours on Sundays. During periods of high workload this could be increased to 60 hours/week. Landdienst leaders received extra pay of RM3,50/month.
If anyone needs more info on the Landdienst let me know.