Hermann Fegelein, German general (b. 1906)

Hans Otto Georg Hermann Fegelein, born on 30 October 1906, was a prominent and controversial figure within the hierarchy of Nazi Germany, ultimately meeting his end on 28 April 1945. A high-ranking commander in the notorious Waffen-SS, his career saw him rise through the ranks, gaining a position of considerable influence and proximity to Adolf Hitler himself. Fegelein was not merely a military officer; he became a part of Hitler's inner circle, solidifying his status through his marriage to Gretl Braun, the sister of Hitler's long-time companion, Eva Braun, thus becoming Hitler's brother-in-law.

Fegelein's journey into the military began in 1925 when he joined a cavalry regiment of the Reichswehr, Germany's armed forces during the Weimar Republic. His ambitions soon led him to the burgeoning National Socialist movement, and he transferred to the SS on 10 April 1933, a pivotal moment as the Nazi Party consolidated its power. His natural aptitude for horsemanship quickly propelled him into leadership roles within the SS's equestrian groups. Notably, he was entrusted with the significant responsibility of preparing the equestrian events for the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, an important propaganda spectacle for the Nazi regime. He even aspired to compete himself, attempting to qualify for the German Olympic equestrian team, though he ultimately did not succeed.

Wartime Service and Controversies

As the drums of war began to beat across Europe, Fegelein's role transitioned from equestrian pursuits to combat command. In September 1939, following the swift and brutal Invasion of Poland, he was given command of the SS Totenkopf Reiterstandarte (Death's-Head Horse Regiment). This unit was initially garrisoned in Warsaw, an early indication of the SS's involvement in occupation duties and repressive measures. His participation extended to the Western Front in May and June 1940, where he served during the Battle of Belgium and France as a member of the SS-Verfügungstruppe, a combat formation that would later evolve into the Waffen-SS. For his service in these initial campaigns, he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class on 15 December 1940, a common military decoration.

However, Fegelein's record is also marred by horrific atrocities committed on the Eastern Front. In 1941, units under his command were deployed in the Byelorussian SSR, where they were responsible for the deaths of over 17,000 civilians during what was termed the "Pripyat swamps punitive operation." These operations, often cloaked under the guise of anti-partisan warfare, frequently involved the indiscriminate slaughter of Jewish communities and other local populations, forming a dark chapter in the history of Nazi Germany's genocidal policies. His later command of the 8th SS Cavalry Division Florian Geyer in 1943 further involved him in continued operations against partisan groups, as well as crucial defensive actions against the advancing Red Army, for which he was awarded the Close Combat Clasp in bronze, recognizing his direct engagement in frontline fighting.

Ascension to Hitler's Inner Circle and Final Days

A serious wound sustained in September 1943 marked a turning point in Fegelein's career, removing him from direct combat. Heinrich Himmler, the head of the SS, recognizing Fegelein's ambition and loyalty, reassigned him to Adolf Hitler's headquarters staff. Here, he served as Himmler's liaison officer and the SS representative, placing him firmly within the dictator's immediate entourage. This proximity meant he was present for crucial events, including the failed attempt on Hitler's life on 20 July 1944, a conspiracy by military officers seeking to overthrow the Nazi regime. As the war drew to its apocalyptic close, Fegelein was on duty at Hitler's Führerbunker in Berlin, the subterranean command center where the Nazi leadership made its final, desperate stands.

In the chaotic and despairing atmosphere of the Führerbunker, with the Red Army encircling Berlin, Fegelein's fate took a dramatic and swift turn. He was ultimately shot for desertion on 28 April 1945, a mere two days before Hitler's own suicide. The precise circumstances surrounding his alleged desertion and execution remain a subject of historical debate, but it underscored the paranoia and ruthlessness of the regime's final hours.

Historical Assessments and Legacy

Hans Fegelein's character and actions have been the subject of critical scrutiny by historians and contemporaries alike. Michael D. Miller, a historian, describes Fegelein as an opportunist and careerist who masterfully ingratiated himself with Heinrich Himmler, securing the best assignments and rapid promotions. Journalist William L. Shirer, known for his seminal work on the Third Reich, and the eminent historian Sir Ian Kershaw both characterized him as cynical and disreputable, painting a picture of a man driven by self-interest rather than genuine ideology or principle. Perhaps one of the most damning assessments came from Albert Speer, Hitler's chief architect and Armaments Minister, who called Fegelein "one of the most disgusting people in Hitler's circle," highlighting his perceived lack of integrity even among the high command of Nazi Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Hans Fegelein?

Hans Otto Georg Hermann Fegelein was a high-ranking commander in the Waffen-SS, the armed wing of Nazi Germany's SS. He was also notable for being a member of Adolf Hitler's inner circle and his brother-in-law through marriage to Eva Braun's sister.

What was Hans Fegelein's relationship with Adolf Hitler?

Fegelein served as Himmler's liaison officer to Hitler's headquarters staff, making him a close aide. Furthermore, he became Hitler's brother-in-law after marrying Gretl Braun, Eva Braun's sister, thereby strengthening his connection to the dictator's personal life.

What was Fegelein's role in the Waffen-SS?

He commanded various SS units, including the SS Totenkopf Reiterstandarte and the 8th SS Cavalry Division Florian Geyer. His duties ranged from combat operations on the Western and Eastern Fronts to involvement in "punitive operations" against civilians.

Was Hans Fegelein involved in war crimes?

Yes, units under his command on the Eastern Front in 1941 were responsible for the deaths of over 17,000 civilians during the Pripyat swamps punitive operation in the Byelorussian SSR, a documented atrocity.

How did Hans Fegelein die?

He was shot for desertion on 28 April 1945, in Berlin, just two days before Adolf Hitler's suicide, during the final collapse of Nazi Germany.

What did contemporaries and historians think of Fegelein's character?

He was widely described as an opportunist and careerist who skillfully advanced his position through connections. Historians and contemporaries like William L. Shirer, Sir Ian Kershaw, and Albert Speer characterized him as cynical, disreputable, and "one of the most disgusting people in Hitler's circle."