Hitlerjugend: An In-Depth History: Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM)
by Arvo L. Vercamer

Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM) (females aged 14 to 21) - For the most part, the BDM was an organization generally similar in function and scope as "Brownies" or "Girl Scouts" would be in other nations of the era. However, the BDM also were required to participate in many Nationalist Socialist Party approved events and they also received many lectures on the virtues of Nationalist Socialist "parenting" - a point omitted in the Girl Scouts of other nations.

As with the male oriented HJ, the BDM girls went on hikes, participated in many home economics activities, provided auxiliary services during the war (mail delivery, military communications, telephone operators, etc.), etc. Many BDM groups also were issued with their own flags and pennants. If called to service on an emergency basis, they were exempted from their current schooling requirements.

Towards 1941, 1942, BDM girls knitted socks for the German troops on the front lines, they tended to local gardens to grow additional food supplies, etc. For many BDM girls, joining and participating was an opportunity to broaden experiences and to grow as women.

BDM Uniforms:
- Summer: White open neck, short-sleeved blouse with two breast pockets, dark-blue skirt with a double pleat in the front, lower calf to knee length, decorative or plain leather belt; blouse tucked into the waistband of the skirt, black neckerchief/tie worn under the collar held in place with a small clasp (normally a leather one); black leather shoes with a modest heel.
- Winter: As above, but also with a dark blue winter coat or with a dark blue, single breasted windbreaker or an open collar, brown, suede like single-breasted tunic with four breast pockets

BDM nurses

(Courtesy of KS)