Recruitment basis
1941-1943
Prior to the actual recruitment, which in 1940 was prohibited in Denmark, a political negotiation took place. The result was that the Danish government, with War Minister S. Brorsen, adopted the necessary amendments to the legislation and permitted recruitment in Denmark for foreign military service. It even went so far as to (depending on how the wording is interpreted) encourage Danish officers and non-commissioned officers in the army to enlist.
Here is an excerpt from the documents issued by the Ministry of War. Letter dated 9 July 1941 from Minister of War S. Brorsen regarding permission to enlist.
Letter dated 8 July 1941 from the Ministry of War. Ministry of War letter no. A2764/4059.
Letter to Captain (Infantry) in the Danish Army Thor Jørgensen. He applied for the King’s permission to take part in the formation of Frikorps Danmark together with Kryssing.
Letter dated 2 June 1943 from the Ministry of War. Ministry of War letter no. A2152/3917.
The actual recruitment of Danish volunteers was primarily carried out through word of mouth and various social events. To a lesser extent, printed media such as recruitment leaflets, “advertising notices,” and direct application forms were also used. However, these are believed to have been used only to a limited extent, as they were costly and enlistment often took place in a simpler manner. A person would write a letter, sign up at meetings, and then receive confirmation of enrollment. After that, an official call-up for medical examination and information meetings was sent by post.
Part of the recruitment material focused on a better and more secure future for Denmark.
Here is an example of a recruitment folder with a registration form.
This was used, among other things, to recruit people with German leanings in southern Jutland and partly in Germany.
Recruitment offices were set up all over Denmark. Most often it was the local DNSAP employment managers who added premises and names. Here is a list from 1942. New recruitment offices were constantly added and others closed down or changed to other employment managers.
