numbering / cerification, of H.J.knives
Garry,
You are absolutely correct; as long as you see it from the standpoint of the time that everything was still functioning normally, and the SYSTEM worked.
"Aber" . . . . . after the mass bombing of Aachen and Cologne for example, there were lots of records lost. Some of them were made up again from memory, and info supplied by people. (what a chance to glorify oneselves)
Furthermore there were migrations from one district to another, often not all that well documented. These people (kids) were naturally accepted in the local structures, but some of the info had to be taken at face value of information supplied.
Each H.J. member had a membership pass. but during the moves many of them were lost; again, info supplied by the newcomer had to be taken at face value.
I am NOT saying that the system did not work !!!!!! With "Deutsche Grundlichkeit it worked flawless 99% of the time. Little slip ups not withstanding.
I am referring to the years of war, bombings, migrations, head over heels flight, etc. etc. Records lost, people lost, posessions lost etc.
So. YES you are correct, but please leave a little opening for mistakes and "Zeitgeist" less than perfect procedures.
Thus. we are in agreement afteral.
Keep up the good work !!! It's people like you that keep the rest of us on the straight and narrow.
HN