Heimatschuss wrote:
I think you're referring to Elli Beinhorn. I've been wondering too why an expert pilot like her wasn't simply conscripted under the emergency service order (Notdienstverordnung) during WWII, especially with regard to the shortage of experienced pilots towards the end of the war. Perhaps the fact that she was the widow of motor racing legend Bernd Rosemeyer played a role and/or she had some benevolent friends in influential positions. Comments from the experts on her life would be highly welcome.
Best regards
Torsten
I have two theories her - which dont contradict each other.
1. We know the Nazi state didnt wanted women in active, warlike "male" positions. There were some women pilots, but they more or less insisted to be active pilots. Thus: The Nazi state didnt either wanted to have dissatisfied citizens. As the steps from deeply dissatisfied to disappointed to oppostional may be short.
Question: Do we know examples of actually constripting women to be pilots?
2. My main theory is she WAS anti-nazi. And the nazi-state didnt liked a well though out arguments. Example: Once a long time ago I heard a radio-programme about a ex-sailor, who defyed the Nazi state on solid, religious grounds. He was of course condemned to death. BUT. They did the outmost to beg him to take his words, his defying, back. They promised they would even drop the charges and let him be free! - Im sure it was not talk of getting him prison or Dachau instead, as this would not be no big deal. No reason either to make a whole radio-program out of it.
Thus. The Nazi-state was afraid of well though out defying of Nazism.
My guess it was such a case; and by some sort of gentlemens agreements, perhaps with the help of friends you Torsten mentions, they let her be, and she didnt openly defyied the nazis.
My guestion is sooner - why didnt she defyed Nazism AFTER the war? My guess she didnt wanted to be unpleasant to her pals and friends, the other women pilots, who did flew for Germany.
