German anti-aircraft gunners with children and civilians near 88 mm FlaK 37 anti-aircraft gun. Many children were helpers in the German air defence forces they were called Flakhelfers. Germany relied on child soldiers to bolster the Reich's air defences. The children of the anti-aircraft batteries, some as young as 16, took an active part in the war. They served all types of anti-aircraft batteries under the guidance of Luftwaffe veterans who were too old or infirm to participate in combat. Flakhelfers served only on batteries within Germany. West Germany. 1940-41