Die Edelwei ß piraten [That funny letter like a Greek beta is an sz (pronounced 'Ess Tsett'). In German it sometimes stands in for a double S. ] were a disparate assortment of loosely-affiliated gangs. Largely from the working class, they tended to share a subcultural dress-sense (shorts, chequered shirts) which identified them to one another. Many were objectors to membership of the Hitler-Jugend and Bund Deutscher M ä del [The HJ girls' wing. ] - some in resistance to the strict sex segregation and others because of loyalty to other youth groups which were incorporated into the HJ [As the Nazis consolidated their power it was their policy - in this and other areas - to bring independent bodies under Nazi auspices. ] . Older members also included deserters and objectors to military and labour service, and these led a shadowy existence living off their wits on the margins of society.

Popular activities amongst the Pirates included beating up HJ leaders, organising hiking trips where they could escape the scrutiny of the authorities (many trips also provided the opportunity to beat up HJ parties similarly engaged), spraying graffiti (a popular slogan was 'Eternal War on Hitler Youth') and generally