Hitler posing for pictures with his staff, 1940

Adolf Hitler, dictator of Germany from 1933 to 1945, employed a personal staff, which represented different branches and offices throughout his political career.[1] He maintained a group of aides-de-camp and adjutants, including Martin Bormann's younger brother Albert in the National Socialist Motor Corps (NSKK), Friedrich Hoßbach of the Wehrmacht, who was sacked for unfavourable conduct, and Fritz Darges of the Schutzstaffel (SS), who was also dismissed for inappropriate behaviour. Originally an SS adjutant, Otto Günsche was posted on the Eastern Front from August 1943 to February 1944, and in France until March 1944, until he was appointed as one of Hitler's personal adjutants.

Others included valets Hans Hermann Junge, Karl Wilhelm Krause, and his longest serving valet, Heinz Linge. They accompanied him on his travels and were in charge of Hitler's daily routine; including awaking him, providing newspapers and messages, determining the daily menu/meals, and wardrobe.[2] He employed four chauffeurs over the years, including the part-Jewish Emil Maurice, and founding member of the Sturmabteilung (SA), Julius Schreck. Women in his employ included secretaries Christa Schroeder, his chief and longest serving one Johanna Wolf, and his youngest, Traudl Junge. Hitler disliked change in personnel and liked to have people around him that he was used to and who knew his habits.[3] Hitler's personal staff members were in daily contact with him and many were present during his final days in the Führerbunker at the end of World War II in Europe.[1]

Staff

Alphabetically listed per their Christian name
Name Position (Branch) Years of service Notes Image Ref.
Albert Bormann Adjutant

(National Socialist Motor Corps)

 1931–45 Brother of Hitler's private secretary Martin Bormann. Hitler was fond of Bormann and found him to be trustworthy.[4] [5]
Alwin-Broder Albrecht Adjutant

(National Socialist Motor Corps)

 1938–45 Originally a naval adjutant. Became the subject of controversy for marrying a woman with a bad reputation. On 1 July 1939, he was appointed an NSKK adjutant.[6] [6]
Anna Döhring Cook

(Berghof)

 1938–45 Personal cook to Hitler and married to Herbert Doehring, chief of all civilian personnel at Hitler's house[7] [7]
Christa Schroeder Secretary 1933–45 Began working for Hitler in 1943. Later wrote her memoirs about her time as one of his secretaries[8] [9]
Constanze Manziarly Cook/dietitian

(Berghof)

 1943–45 Began working for Hitler from 1943 and was present in Führerbunker during the dictators final days[10] [10]
Emil Maurice Chauffeur

(Schutzstaffel)

 1925[lower-alpha 1] Early member of the Nazi Party and co-founder of the SS, despite having Jewish ancestry[11] [11]
Erich Kempka Chauffeur

(Schutzstaffel)

 1934–45 Primary chauffeur to Hitler from 1934 to April, 1945[12] [12]
Friedrich Hoßbach Adjutant

(Wehrmacht)

 1934–38 Dismissed as adjutant in 1938 for unfavorable conduct. His most important contribution to history is his creation of the Hossbach Memorandum.[13] [13]
Fritz Darges Adjutant

(Schutzstaffel)

 1943–44 Originally an adjutant for Martin Bormann. Although dismissed in 1944 for inappropriate behavior, Darges went on to command the 5th SS Panzer Regiment of SS Division Wiking. Recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross[14] [15]
Gerda Christian Secretary 1937–43; 1943–45 Engaged to Erich Kempka and later married to Eckhard Christian[16] [17]
Gerhard Engel Adjutant

(Army)

 1941–43 Appointed an army adjutant in 1941. By his own request in 1943, he transferred to the Western Front. Recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves[18] [18]
Georg Betz Co-pilot

(Schutzstaffel)

 1932–45 Former captain for Lufthansa prior to joining the Schutzstaffel (SS). He was later killed during the Battle in Berlin.[19] [19]
Hans Baur Pilot

(Nazi Party)

 1932–45 Personal pilot and close ally of Hitler since the political campaigns of the early 1930s[20] [21]
Hans Hermann Junge Aide-de-camp and valet

(Schutzstaffel)

 1940–43 Married to Traudl Humps. Transferred to active service in July 1943 and was killed a year later in an aircraft attack in France[22] [23]
Heinz Linge Valet

(Schutzstaffel)

 1935–45 Hitler's longest serving valet. Would wake up Hitler and keep him stocked with writing materials and spectacles[24] [24]
Heinrich Borgmann Adjutant

(Army)

 1943–45 Recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for actions on both fronts. In October 1943 he was appointed army adjutant. He was seriously wounded during the 20 July plot.[25] [25]
Herbert Döhring Administrator

(Berghof)

 1936–43 Administrator of all civilian personnel at Hitler's mountain retreat[7] [7]
Hugo Blaschke Dentist

(Schutzstaffel)

 1933–45 Served as Heinrich Himmler's personal dentist before becoming Hitler's[26] [26]
Johanna Wolf Secretary 1929–45 Hitler's chief and longest serving secretary[27] [27]
Josef "Sepp" Dietrich Chauffeur

(Schutzstaffel)

 1928–29 Early member of the Nazi Party and SS. One of Hitler's most trusted bodyguards and Schutzstaffel (SS) commanders[1] [28]
Julius Schaub Adjutant

(Nazi Party)

 1925–45 Hitler's longest serving adjutant. Carried money for Hitler's private use, took care of his travel arrangements, and provided both secretary and security duties[29] [29]
Julius Schreck Chauffeur

(Sturmabteilung)

 1926–36 Early Nazi Party member and co-founder of the Sturmabteilung (SA)[1] [30]
Karl-Jesko von Puttkamer Adjutant

(Navy)

 1939–45 Transferred to active service in 1938. Then returned to the role as naval adjutant and in September 1943 he was promoted to Konteradmiral (rear admiral)[31] [32]
Karl Wilhelm Krause Valet

(Schutzstaffel)

 1934–39 Assisted Hitler with his daily routines and also served as a bodyguard. Dismissed in mid-September 1939 for disobeying an order[33] [34]
Wilhelm Arndt Valet

(Schutzstaffel)

  ?-45 Killed on 21 April 1945
Ludwig Stumpfegger Surgeon

(Schutzstaffel)

 1944–45 Became Hitler's personal surgeon after a recommendation from Schutzstaffel (SS) chief Heinrich Himmler[35] [34]
Martin Bormann Private Secretary

(Nazi Party)

 1943–45 Prominent official in Nazi Germany. He gained immense power by using his position as Hitler's private secretary to control the flow of information and access to the Führer.[36] [37]
Max Wünsche Adjutant

(Schutzstaffel)

 1938–41 Recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. Originally appointed adjutant to Sepp Dietrich in 1941[38] [38]
Nicolaus von Below Adjutant

(Luftwaffe)

 1937–45 One of only a few people with aristocratic backgrounds to serve in Hitler's inner circle. Became closely associated with the Führer over the years[39] [40]
Otto Günsche Adjutant

(Schutzstaffel)

 1940–41; 1943; 1944–45 Originally a Schutzstaffel (SS) adjutant. From August 1943 to 5 February 1944, he fought on the Eastern Front and in France until March 1944 when he again was appointed a personal adjutant.[41] [9]
Richard Schulze-Kossens Aide-de-camp/adjutant

(Schutzstaffel)

 1941-44 Served as an ordnance officer and SS adjutant at different intervals. Also a member of the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler and the Führerbegleitkommando (FBK), both protection units for Hitler's security[42] [43]
Rudolf Schmundt Adjutant

(Wehrmacht)

 1938–44 Became the Chief of the Personnel Department of the German Army. Died from his injuries following the 20 July plot[44] [45]
Theodor Morell Physician

(Nazi Party)

 1936–45 Personal physician to Hitler and became a controversial figure for his unorthodox treatment methods[46] [46]
Traudl Junge Secretary 1942–45 Hitler's youngest secretary. Later wrote her memoirs about her time with Hitler[47] [47]
Werner Haase Physician

(Schutzstaffel)

 1935–45 Personal physician and surgeon for Hitler[48] [48]
Wilhelm Brückner Adjutant

(Nazi Party)

 1930–40 Prior to his dismissal, he supervised all of the Führer's personal servants, valets, bodyguards, and adjutants.[49]
[49]
Wilhelm Burgdorf Adjutant

(Army)

 1944–45 Promoted chief of the Heerespersonalamt (Army Personnel Office) and chief adjutant in October 1944[50] [50]
Willy Johannmeyer Adjutant

(Army)

 1945 Heinrich Borgmann's replacement. Recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves[51] [25]

Footnotes

  1. ↑ It is unknown when Maurice was fired as Hitler's chauffeur; neither historians Ian Kershaw or Heike Görtemaker mention this in their work.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Adolf Hitler's staff.

References

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 4 Martin & Newark 2009.
  2. ↑ Galante & Silianoff 1989, p. 39.
  3. ↑ Kershaw 2008, p. 375.
  4. ↑ Hamilton 1984, pp. 135–136.
  5. ↑ Hamilton 1984, p. 135.
  6. 1 2 Joachimsthaler 1999, p. 289.
  7. 1 2 3 4 TimeWatch 2015.
  8. ↑ Misch 2014, p. 2.
  9. 1 2 Joachimsthaler 1999, p. 281.
  10. 1 2 O'Donnell 2001, pp. 271–274.
  11. 1 2 Hamilton 1984, p. 161.
  12. 1 2 Joachimsthaler 1999, p. 282.
  13. 1 2 Shirer 1960, p. 315.
  14. ↑ Hamilton 1984, p. 143.
  15. ↑ O'Donnell 2001, p. 208.
  16. ↑ Hamilton 1984, p. 141.
  17. ↑ Toland 1976, p. 733.
  18. 1 2 Deutsch 1968, p. 226.
  19. 1 2 Joachimsthaler 1999, pp. 286, 287.
  20. ↑ Joachimsthaler 1999, p. 294.
  21. ↑ Taylor 2010, p. 265.
  22. ↑ Junge 2003, p. 197.
  23. ↑ d' Almeida 2008, p. 70.
  24. 1 2 Linge 2009, p. 10.
  25. 1 2 3 Hamilton 1984, p. 144.
  26. 1 2 Joachimsthaler 1999, p. 297.
  27. 1 2 Joachimsthaler 1999, p. 291.
  28. ↑ Fredriksen 2001, p. 142.
  29. 1 2 Hamilton 1984, p. 168.
  30. ↑ O'Donnell 2001, p. 228.
  31. ↑ Joachimsthaler 1999, pp. 98, 289.
  32. ↑ Pelt 2002, p. 18.
  33. ↑ Linge 2009, p. 20.
  34. 1 2 Hamilton 1984, p. 157.
  35. ↑ Joachimsthaler 1999, p. 290.
  36. ↑ Kershaw 2008, pp. 749–755.
  37. ↑ Kershaw 2008, p. 752.
  38. 1 2 Williamson 2006, p. 24.
  39. ↑ Dorr 2013, p. 210.
  40. ↑ Joachimsthaler 1999, p. 293.
  41. ↑ Hamilton 1984, p. 149.
  42. ↑ Hoffmann 2000, pp. 53, 55.
  43. ↑ Hoffmann 2000, p. 55.
  44. ↑ Junge 2003, p. 198.
  45. ↑ Mitcham 2008, p. 176.
  46. 1 2 Snyder 1994, p. 232.
  47. 1 2 Niemi 2006, p. 144.
  48. 1 2 Kershaw 2008, pp. 951–952.
  49. 1 2 Linge 2009, p. 59.
  50. 1 2 Joachimsthaler 1999, p. 286.
  51. ↑ Fellgiebel 2003, p. 201.

Bibliography

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  • Dorr, Robert (2013). Fighting Hitler's Jets: The Extraordinary Story of the American Airmen Who Beat the Luftwaffe and Defeated Nazi Germany. Zenith Press. ISBN 978-0-7603-4398-2.
  • Deutsch, Harold (1968). The Conspiracy Against Hitler in the Twilight War. University of Minnesota Press. ISBN 978-0-8166-5743-8.
  • Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2003). Elite of the Third Reich: The Recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, 1939–45. Helion & Company. ISBN 978-1-874622-46-8.
  • Fredriksen, John (2001). America's Military Adversaries: From Colonial Times to the Present. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1-57607-603-3.
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  • Joachimsthaler, Anton (1999). The Last Days of Hitler: The Legends, Evidence, and Truth. Brockhampton Press. ISBN 978-1-86019-902-8.
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  • Linge, Heinz (2009). With Hitler to the End: The Memoirs of Adolf Hitler's Valet. Skyhorse Publishing. ISBN 978-1-60239-804-7.
  • Misch, Rochus (2014). Hitler's Last Witness: The Memoirs of Hitler's Bodyguard. Frontline Books. ISBN 978-1-4738-3701-0.
  • Mitcham, Samuel Jr. (2008). The Rise of the Wehrmacht: The German Armed Forces and World War II. Praeger Publishing. ISBN 978-0-275-99659-8.
  • Niemi, Robert (2006). History in the Media: Film and Television. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1-57607-952-2.
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  • Pelt, Robert (2002). The Case for Auschwitz: Evidence from the Irving Trial. Indiana University Press. ISBN 978-0-253-34016-0.
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  • Taylor, Blaine (2010). Hitler's Engineers. Casemate Publishers. ISBN 978-1-935149-78-1.
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  • Williamson, Gordon (2006). German Commanders of World War II: Waffen-SS, Luftwaffe and Navy. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7607-8168-5.

Online

  • Jonathan Martin (writer), Tim Newark (historical advisor) (2009). Attempts to Kill Hitler at the Wolf's Lair (television documentary). World Media Rights.
  • Kate Rea, Joanne King (researchers) (2012). The Making of Adolf Hitler (television documentary). TimeWatch (BBC).
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