Horton

[Bewolf]

Originally Posted by ATAG_Dutch

I haven't had a drink as yet, but would like to ask Beowulf a question which is seriously off-topic.

I used to attend the IPMS Scale Modelling Nationals in Telford every year. People from all over the world come to this event.

One year, a German chap was giving a talk on the Bf109, having written a book on the subject, and we met up with him and his friends in the bar at lunchtime.

Before the first pint of beer had even been drank, the German chaps were apologising to us for their country's actions during the second world war. All of us were around the same age, born in the 60s and so had no direct involvement in the conflict. As Brits, we found this a little embarrassing and were telling the German chaps that there was no need to apologise to those present for what happened in a bygone age.

So I wondered, is this something German people are advised to do when attending any event connected with militaria? Or is it that those specific individuals felt there was a need to do so?

I'd say that depends. It also differes wildley depending on generation. I am speaking with a west german history in mind here, though. Eastern Germany is a different story and reunification created an interesting mix.

Those born before 1945 usually just stay silent, today there are not many left anyways, but they never talk about the war, really. That has to do with later german history, too.

Those born in the last years of the war and after eventually rebelled in the 60ies against their parents for what they did in the war. They are called the 69ers here in Germany. That year started the RAF and a turbulent soul searching for what really happend. They also tended to blame the generation before in the same ultimate fashion as for example other nations did at that time, rebelled against the establishment, which still had a lot of former Nazis in positions of power, which resulted in something of a mental split with Germany as a country. It is probably folks of this generation you encounted. They really had the urge to apologize and make up for what happend in the name of their parents. Nothing to do with any official or inoffical advisement.

This attitude had lasting effects up until the late 90ies. Reunification changed everything all over again, Ppl today pretty much have a more balanced few, are aware of the countries atrocities and the responsebilities that comes with that, but do not want to get bothered with Nazi blames every other debate. In general they just see a country that is succesfull and rather well off, are proud of that achievement and look into the future. I guess I can consider myself one of those.

Younger folks these days then again are pretty much in line with everybody else in Europe, displaying the whole range from radical nationlism to liberal patriotism. For them the war does not play a role bar a year in school where they learend what happend in those days.