Latvian Waffen SS 1944 MG 34, Basic Training Manual, German Oath of Allegiance,, Weimar Republic

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Episode 129

This wonderful private footage from 1944 shows Latvian SS soldiers training with the MG 34. It fits in well with the introduction of this original 1940s military training material from a German instructor which covers a wide range of topics.

Today we’ll be looking at the section dealing with the significance of the Fahneneid, or oath of allegiance, which new German solders made. In addition I’ll show rare color footage of an oath giving ceremony from 1938. And finally, at the end of the video, I’ll show more of the Latvian SS footage so stick around.

In addition to basic training for example the handling of the rifle and pistol, guard duty and communications, more advanced themes are covered like chemical weapons, counter-espionage and the relationship between the different German branches of service. It really is a special collection and over time videos will be produced for all of it.

Included in this wonderful material is weapons training, guard duty, but also more advanced training like chemical warfare, night combat, and even counter-espionage which is really quite interesting. , which we’ll be going over in future videos. If you like this kind of material created with multiple primary historical sources please like the video and subscribe to the channel. You won’t be disappointed, I promise.

When translating something like this, it’s difficult to capture the spirit of the text. Not only is each word carefully laden with meaning but it also was written in a different era by and for individuals with completely different formative experiences than ourselves. My intention is not to generate empathy but rather to orient ourselves in order to better comprehend the historical significance.

Just a few years ago the soldier’s loyalty oath was made to a Constitution that was created by individuals in the government that had accepted on behalf of the German nation the oppressive Treaty of Versailles. The enemy indirectly influenced the heavy liberal construction of this constitution. Liberal meaning that the freedom of the individual was deemed of higher importance that that of the community and this focus was mirrored in the actions of the government. Loyalty was being promised to governments that could be changed at any moment, transferring this fealty automatically from one politician to another. In contrast, the oath made before the Great War declared loyalty directly to the Kaiser.

Here, in this 1938 footage, we see a German unit which has just completed basic training entering and about to give the Oath of allegiance. in the following scenes we’ll see many different groups march past, to be honest a few of which I can’t even identify. Try to list them all in the comment section below.

During the Weimar Republic, the soldier was unable to remain loyal to a distinct idea or person. He remained chained to the government that happened to be presently in charge. One of the prominent personalities of the time, the minister of the Reichswehr Gröner, was quoted as saying “the oath is actually nothing more than an idea, something that’s not concrete.” In contrast, in the Germanic concept of an oath, which begins “I swear to God, this holy oath…” the soldier pledges to do everything in their power, including if necessary the laying down of their life, to remain loyal. If that holy oath is not kept then the individual can expect to receive the harshest of penalties.

Now, everyone is obligated to join the military and promise loyalty directly to the Führer which at times can lead to a conflict of consciousness. However, the Führer’s unquestionable authority is respected and widely accepted far in excess of those who are in his immediate presence. In fact, in Germany there are extremely few individuals who are not 100% behind the Führer. For these few oddballs it’s important that they find the strength necessary in such times of war, to be and remain loyal. Others, that lightheartedly give the oath should understand that shouting “Heil Hitler” is not enough to enter the Wehrmacht, and then to begin calling themselves National Socialists. They also have responsibilities related to their character and their bodies.