Youth Leaders Dagger - Award criteria

[Stirnpanzer]

Am trying to find out more about the HJ Leaders (following a recent purchase of one)

I believe it was from available to Stammführer rank upwards, and then fulfilling some criteria for getting one and then getting approval from the top...

What was the criteria for getting one, and anyone ever speculated on the numbers awarded ?

Thanks Mark

 

[bertl59]

Hi,
Does anyone have any information on this topic?

 

[Garry]

The announcement of the Introduction of the HJ-Führerdolch was made in 1936 (Verordnungsblatt der RJF IV/27 p305 dated 6.11.1936).

Initially the lowest eligible rank was Bannführer/Jungbannführer/Verwaltungs-Bannführer. The dagger was essentially an outward sign that the wearer was a member of the HJ-Führerkorps at this time. An award certificate giving authority for the awardee to wear the dagger was issued by the RJF.

A Gebiet order issued by HJ-Gebiet Baden in 1941 (Gebietsbefehl Baden 15/K dated 1.2.1941) shows that the RJF had decided that Stammführer were automatically eligible to receive the HJ-Führerdolch (less those who had held the Rank of Stammführer prior to 1939. These personnel had to apply in writing.).

Numbers awarded:

I don't know how many were awarded in total but I do have full numbers for 1938/9 (numbers taken from official RJF sources):

1938: 139 awarded.
1939: 59 awarded.

In 1940 I have sources showing that a further 8 confirmed awards took place. There will however have been more than that in total.

 

[bertl59]

Very interesting; that sheds some light on the subject.
Thanks, Garry.