Training of boys in the German navy according to the Dutch magazine Marineblad dated 1907-1908 no. 6

An item referred to the Mitteilungen aus dem Gebiete des Seewesen reporting that the German navy lo longer in the spring but in the autumn boys would engage with an age of 14,5 (minimum)-18 (maximum) years. During the winter were they accommodate on the aged ironclad König Wilhelm where the first education was given. In the first summer were they embarked for a large voyage. After serving 2 years were they became sailors and after another 4 years, with a medium age of 22 years, they were promoted to the rank of petty officer.