August Heissmeyer, German SS officer (d. 1979)

August Heißmeyer: An Overview of a Key SS Functionary in Nazi Germany

August Heißmeyer (sometimes spelled Heissmeyer), born on January 11, 1897, and deceased on January 16, 1979, was a high-ranking German SS functionary whose career was intrinsically linked to the rise and fall of the Nazi regime. As an SS-Obergruppenführer and General of the Waffen-SS, his significant roles within Heinrich Himmler's Schutzstaffel (SS) placed him at the heart of the Third Reich's administrative and ideological machinery. His involvement spanned critical periods, from the pre-war consolidation of Nazi power to the final days of World War II.

Heißmeyer's journey into the Nazi movement began relatively early. He joined the Nazi Party (NSDAP) in 1925 and became a member of the SS in 1926. His early commitment to the party's ideology allowed him to ascend rapidly through the ranks, demonstrating a clear dedication to the National Socialist cause.

Commanding the SS Main Office (SS-Hauptamt): 1935–1939

One of August Heißmeyer's most prominent and impactful positions was his command of the SS Main Office (SS-Hauptamt) from 1935 to 1939. This period was crucial for the expansion and ideological hardening of the SS, and Heißmeyer's leadership of this central administrative body was pivotal. The SS-Hauptamt served as the administrative and organizational nerve center of the entire SS. Its wide-ranging responsibilities included:

• Personnel Management: Overseeing the recruitment, transfers, promotions, and disciplinary actions for all SS members.
• Ideological Indoctrination: Developing and implementing the ideological training for SS recruits and existing members, ensuring their adherence to Nazi racial and political doctrines.
• Racial Policy: Enforcing the stringent racial purity criteria for SS membership, a fundamental aspect of Nazi ideology.
• Logistics and Administration: Managing the logistical support, equipment, and general administrative functions essential for the SS's operation.
• SS-Junkerschulen: From 1935, Heißmeyer also served as the Inspector of the SS-Junkerschulen, the elite officer candidate schools of the SS. This role gave him direct influence over the training and indoctrination of future SS leaders.

During Heißmeyer's tenure, the SS-Hauptamt played a critical role in transforming the SS from a relatively small paramilitary organization into a vast, powerful, and deeply ideologically committed force that would become instrumental in the implementation of Nazi Germany's genocidal policies and wartime crimes.

Wartime Roles and Involvement in the Volkssturm

As World War II progressed, Heißmeyer continued to hold significant positions. From 1940, he served as the Higher SS and Police Leader (HSSPF) "West" and later "Spree," wielding immense power over police and SS units in these regions, including jurisdiction over concentration camps in their areas. Towards the end of the war, in 1944, he was appointed Inspector General of the Volkssturm, a hastily formed national militia composed largely of older men and boys. This appointment underscored the desperation of the Nazi regime as it faced defeat, with Heißmeyer tasked with organizing these units for a futile last stand against the advancing Allied forces.

Post-War Accountability: Trial and Conviction

Following the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany and the conclusion of World War II, August Heißmeyer was apprehended by the Allied powers. He subsequently faced justice for his actions and his significant role within the criminal Nazi regime. In 1948, he was tried by a denazification court in Bielefeld, Germany.

The denazification process, initiated by the Allied powers in occupied Germany, aimed to cleanse German society, culture, press, economy, judiciary, and politics of any Nazi influence. Individuals were categorized based on their level of involvement and responsibility within the Nazi Party and its organizations. August Heißmeyer was convicted as a "major Nazi offender" (German: Hauptschuldiger). This was the most severe category under the denazification laws, reserved for individuals who were deemed most responsible for the crimes and policies of the Nazi regime.

His conviction as a Hauptschuldiger resulted in a sentence of 10 years in prison. Heißmeyer served part of his sentence before being released in 1954. He lived the remainder of his life in West Germany, passing away in 1979.

Frequently Asked Questions About August Heißmeyer

Who was August Heißmeyer?

August Heißmeyer was a high-ranking German SS functionary and SS-Obergruppenführer during the Nazi era, known for his command of the SS Main Office and his later conviction as a "major Nazi offender" after World War II.

What was the SS Main Office (SS-Hauptamt)?

The SS Main Office (SS-Hauptamt) was the central administrative and organizational headquarters of the Schutzstaffel (SS), responsible for personnel, recruitment, ideological training, and general administration of the SS forces during the Nazi regime.

What was August Heißmeyer's role during World War II?

During World War II, August Heißmeyer served as a Higher SS and Police Leader in various regions and, towards the end of the war, as Inspector General of the Volkssturm, a last-ditch German militia.

What happened to August Heißmeyer after World War II?

After World War II, August Heißmeyer was tried by a German denazification court in 1948 and convicted as a "major Nazi offender." He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and was released in 1954.

What does "major Nazi offender" (Hauptschuldiger) mean?

"Major Nazi offender" (Hauptschuldiger) was the most severe classification used during the Allied denazification process in post-war Germany, designating individuals who were held most responsible for the crimes and policies of the Nazi regime.