Philipp von Boeselager, German soldier and economist (b. 1917)

Philipp Freiherr von Boeselager, born on September 6, 1917, and passing away on May 1, 2008, held a unique and profound place in 20th-century German history. He was the second-to-last surviving member of the audacious and ultimately tragic 20 July Plot, a courageous conspiracy involving Wehrmacht officers who sought to assassinate the German dictator Adolf Hitler in 1944. His life spanned a transformative century, and his involvement in this pivotal act of resistance cemented his legacy as a man of profound moral conviction.

The Man Behind the Resistance

Hailing from an ancient, aristocratic Rhenish family, the title "Freiherr" signifying a baron in the German nobility, Philipp von Boeselager was steeped in tradition and a sense of duty. He joined the cavalry of the Wehrmacht, Germany's armed forces, and quickly distinguished himself. However, as the Second World War progressed and he witnessed the escalating atrocities, particularly the brutal conduct on the Eastern Front and the systematic genocidal policies of the Nazi regime, his loyalty shifted from the state to a higher moral imperative. For Boeselager and his fellow conspirators, the removal of Adolf Hitler was not merely a political act, but an ethical necessity to save Germany from complete destruction and to restore its honor in the eyes of the world.

Boeselager's Critical Role in the 20 July Plot

The 20 July Plot, famously known as Operation Valkyrie, was a meticulously planned coup spearheaded by Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg. The objective was clear: eliminate Hitler at his Eastern Front headquarters, the "Wolf's Lair," and simultaneously launch a military coup to dismantle the Nazi government, arresting key SS and Gestapo officials, and establishing a provisional administration capable of negotiating an armistice. Philipp von Boeselager, then a young yet trusted officer, played a vital role. He was tasked with leading a sizable cavalry unit, consisting of approximately 1,000 men, from the Eastern Front towards Berlin. His orders were to secure crucial government buildings and support the planned overthrow once confirmation of Hitler's death was received. This undertaking required immense bravery and an unwavering commitment, as the consequences of failure for himself and his family were understood to be immediate and brutal execution.

The Aftermath and Boeselager's Survival

Tragically, the assassination attempt on July 20, 1944, failed. The bomb placed by Stauffenberg detonated, but Hitler survived with only minor injuries, shielded by a sturdy oak table. The failure triggered an immediate and ferocious crackdown by the Gestapo, the Nazi secret police. Thousands were arrested, tortured, and executed in the ensuing weeks and months. Many of Boeselager's co-conspirators, including Stauffenberg himself, met a horrific end. However, Boeselager, through a combination of swift action, cunning, and sheer luck, managed to escape detection. He quickly destroyed incriminating evidence and, despite being under intense suspicion and investigation, evaded the Gestapo's dragnet. His survival was remarkable and allowed him to become one of the last living witnesses to this extraordinary act of German resistance.

A Legacy of Conscience and Courage

After the war, Philipp von Boeselager returned to a life of quiet dignity, managing his family's estates. For many years, the legacy of the 20 July Plot conspirators was complex in Germany; they were sometimes viewed as traitors, while others revered them as heroes. Over time, however, the understanding and appreciation for their moral stand grew significantly. In his later years, Boeselager became a prominent voice, sharing his firsthand accounts and insights, thereby enriching the historical narrative of German resistance. He provided invaluable testimony, underscoring the importance of individual conscience and the courage required to oppose tyranny, even at the greatest personal risk. His passing in 2008 truly marked the end of an era, leaving behind a powerful testament to human courage and moral integrity in the face of overwhelming evil.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the 20 July Plot?

The 20 July Plot was a failed attempt by a group of Wehrmacht officers, led by Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, to assassinate German dictator Adolf Hitler and overthrow the Nazi regime on July 20, 1944. It is also known as Operation Valkyrie.

Who was Adolf Hitler?

Adolf Hitler was the leader of the Nazi Party and dictator of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. His regime was responsible for the Holocaust, the systematic genocide of approximately six million Jews, and initiated World War II, which resulted in the deaths of tens of millions.

What was Philipp von Boeselager's role in the plot?

Philipp von Boeselager commanded a cavalry unit that was prepared to move into Berlin and secure key government buildings to support the coup if the assassination of Hitler had been successful. He was to act on direct orders from the conspirators.

How did Boeselager survive the plot's aftermath?

Despite being a key conspirator, Boeselager managed to escape detection and retribution by quickly destroying incriminating evidence and through a combination of luck and strategic maneuvering that allowed him to avoid the Gestapo's brutal interrogations and executions.

What does "Freiherr" mean?

"Freiherr" is a German noble title equivalent to a baron in other European nobilities. It signifies a member of the minor nobility, ranking below a Count (Graf) but above a Ritter (knight).

Why is the 20 July Plot significant in German history?

The 20 July Plot is highly significant as a symbol of moral resistance against the Nazi regime from within Germany itself. It demonstrates that not all Germans supported Hitler, and it represents a profound act of conscience and courage in the face of extreme totalitarianism, even though it ultimately failed.