Hans georg henke biography for kids

This haunting photograph from 1945 features a young German soldier, Hans-Georg Henke, who was just 16 years old at the time, shedding tears. The image has come to symbolize the intense despair Germans experienced in the final days of WWII.

Yet, the story behind this powerful photo is not entirely straightforward.

As you dig deeper, you’ll find conflicting accounts about the true context of this moment.

Online biography for kids

The question remains: what is the real story behind this striking image?

Hans-Georg Henke joined the Luftwaffe at a young age

Hans-Georg Henke faced a tough childhood marked by tragedy and loss. His father, a Communist sympathizer, passed away in 1938 when Hans-Georg was only 9 years old.

Just six years later, his mother died, leaving him and his two brothers orphaned.

Hans-Georg desperately needed work to support his remaining family and chose to join the German military, specifically the Luftwaffe.

The Luftwaffe, Germany’s air force, was formed to defy the Treaty of Ve