Where Hitler’s Moustache Came From, Kurds in WW2, and Germans in Italy - WW2 - OOTF 020

Summary

In this episode of 'Out of the Foxholes,' Indy Neidell explores the Kurdish involvement in WWII, highlighting their service in the Red Army and the Free French, and their struggle for self-determination. The video also addresses the South Tyrol issue between Italy and Germany, detailing Mussolini's Italianization policies and the South Tyrol Option Agreement. Lastly, it delves into the theories behind Hitler's iconic toothbrush mustache, ranging from practicality in war to fashion and artistic inspiration.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Kurds, an ethnic group from the region of Kurdistan, were dispersed across the Middle East and the Caucasus during World War Two, serving under various rulers and nations.
• 🔥 Approximately 46,000 Kurds resided in the USSR in 1939, participating in numerous Red Army operations and some becoming Soviet war heroes.
• 🏆 Samand Aliyevich Siabandov was the first Kurd to lead a Red Army Regiment and the first to be awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his actions in Byelorussia.
• 🎯 A Kurdish sniper named Akhmedov was particularly notable for eliminating 17 enemy soldiers in 10 days during the Battle of Sevastopol.
• 🏞️ Despite their contributions, Kurds faced forced deportation by the NKVD to Central Asia in 1944 due to perceived 'Turkicized' influences and security concerns.
• 🗡️ Kurds also fought for the Free French during the Allied invasion of Syria in 1941 and supported the British in quelling a pro-Nazi coup in Iraq.
• 👴 Ahmad Mustafa Delzar, born in 1920, claimed to be the 8,000th Kurd to join the Levies and was alive into the 21st century, potentially reaching 100 years old.
• 🇮🇹 Germany never claimed South Tyrol from Italy, despite the region being predominantly German-speaking and some South Tyrolians hoping for liberation by Hitler.
• 📜 Mussolini's Italianization policies in South Tyrol led to resistance and unrest, with some hoping for German intervention, which never materialized.
• 🧔 Hitler's iconic mustache, the 'toothbrush style,' has various theories about its origin, including military necessity, fashion trends, and possibly inspiration from his favorite painting.
• 🎨 Hitler's mustache style may have been influenced by cultural icons like Charlie Chaplin or even the Germanic god Wotan as depicted in the painting 'The Wild Chase'.

Q & A

What is the Kurdish role during World War Two?

The Kurds, an ethnic group spread across parts of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Turkey, and Armenia, had a scattered role during WWII. Approximately 46,000 Kurds living in the USSR served in the Red Army, with some becoming war heroes. They also participated in the Free French forces and supported the British in Iraq against a pro-Nazi coup d'état.

Who was Samand Aliyevich Siabandov and what did he achieve during the war?

Samand Aliyevich Siabandov was the first Kurd to lead a Red Army Regiment and the first to be awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union in 1945 for his leadership during the fight for Byelorussia.

What was the fate of Kurds who were loyal to the Soviet Union during WWII?

Despite their loyalty, many Kurds faced forced deportation by the NKVD to Central Asia in 1944, as they were considered 'Turkicized' and potentially security threats.

Did any Kurds fight for the Free French during WWII?

Yes, Kurds fought for the Free French during the Allied invasion of Syria in 1941.

What was the situation of Kurds in Iraq during World War Two?

In Iraq, Kurds were part of the Iraqi Levies and supported the British in defeating the 1941 pro-Nazi Iraqi coup d'état.

Did Germany ever claim South Tyrol from Italy during WWII?

No, Germany never claimed South Tyrol from Italy. Despite some hopes and rumors, Hitler renounced all claims to South Tyrol in his writings and agreements with Italy.

What was the South Tyrol Option Agreement signed on October 21, and what did it entail?

The South Tyrol Option Agreement allowed German-speaking South Tyrolians to choose between emigrating to Germany or remaining in Italy and losing their minority rights. Over 80% chose to be resettled in Germany.

Why did Hitler have a toothbrush mustache instead of a traditional Kaiser mustache?

The reasons for Hitler's toothbrush mustache are not definitively known, but theories include it being a practical style for gas masks during war, a fashion choice influenced by cultural icons like Charlie Chaplin, or possibly inspired by his favorite painting, 'The Wild Chase,' which features a similar mustache.

What is the significance of the painting 'The Wild Chase' in relation to Hitler's mustache?

The painting 'The Wild Chase' by Franz von Stuck, which features a character with a toothbrush mustache, was a favorite of Hitler's since his youth. It's speculated that Hitler might have based his mustache style on the painting.

How can viewers ask questions to be featured in the 'Out of the Foxholes' series?

Viewers can ask questions on community.timeghost.tv, and for prioritization, they can join the TimeGhost Army on Patreon.com or through their website.

Are there any known Kurdish WWII veterans who were alive in the 21st century?

Yes, Ahmad Mustafa Delzar, born in 1920, claimed to be the 8,000th Kurd who joined the Levies and was reportedly alive as of October 2019.