Today in the Second World War

Welcome to today’s edition of the Hidden History Newsletter! On this day in history, April 26th, 1933, the Gestapo, one of the most notorious and feared organizations of the Nazi regime, was officially established in Germany. Led by Heinrich Himmler, the Gestapo was responsible for suppressing political dissent and investigating crimes against the state, using brutal tactics and operating outside the rule of law. As the war progressed, the Gestapo expanded its operations, targeting Jews, homosexuals, and other groups deemed undesirable by the regime. Today, we'll explore the origins and legacy of this notorious organization, as well as other important events that occurred on this day in World War II history.

“Before we’re through with them, the Japanese language will be spoken only in hell!” - Admiral Halsey

The Gestapo Grows

The Gestapo was created in the early months of the Nazi regime, in the aftermath of the Reichstag fire on February 27, 1933. The fire was widely believed to have been started by a Communist sympathizer, and Hitler and other Nazi leaders used the incident as a pretext for cracking down on political opposition. In the weeks that followed, the Nazi regime issued a series of emergency decrees, giving police and security forces unprecedented powers to arrest and detain suspects without trial or due process.

On April 26, 1933, Göring, who was then the Interior Minister of Prussia, merged the state police with the political police (the Gestapo) to create the Geheime Staatspolizei, or Secret State Police. The new agency was given responsibility for suppressing political dissent and investigating crimes against the state. Under the leadership of Heinrich Himmler, who took over the Gestapo in 1934, the organization grew in size and power, becoming one of the most feared instruments of Nazi repression. The organization's focus shifted to include Jews, homosexuals, and other groups deemed "undesirable" by the Nazi regime. The Gestapo was given broad powers to arrest, interrogate, and detain individuals without trial or due process, and its agents were known for their brutality and ruthlessness.

The Gestapo's tactics were brutal and effective, relying on a network of informants and spies to identify potential threats to the regime. Agents were authorized to use torture, interrogation, and other forms of intimidation to extract information and maintain control over the population. They were also given a wide range of powers to arrest and detain suspects, often without any evidence of wrongdoing. The Gestapo operated outside the rule of law, and its agents were notorious for their disregard of human rights and their willingness to use violence to achieve their goals.

During World War II, the Gestapo expanded its operations, targeting not only political dissidents but also Jews, homosexuals, and other groups deemed undesirable by the regime. The organization was given responsibility for carrying out the persecution and extermination of Jews and other groups in occupied territories, working closely with the SS and other paramilitary organizations to carry out their grim task.

Despite its power, the Gestapo faced significant resistance from various groups throughout Nazi-occupied Europe. Resistance fighters, such as members of the French Resistance and Polish Home Army, waged a guerilla war against the Gestapo and other Nazi forces, risking their lives to sabotage Nazi operations and help those targeted by the regime. The Gestapo's brutality and disregard for human life ultimately contributed to the downfall of the Nazi regime, as many Germans became disillusioned with the regime's tactics and turned against their leaders in the final years of the war.

Following Germany's defeat in World War II, many Gestapo agents were prosecuted for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The legacy of the Gestapo remains a haunting reminder of the dangers of unchecked state power and the importance of protecting human rights and democratic values.

A Daring British Victory

The abduction of General Kreipe was a daring and complex operation carried out by a team of British Special Operations Executive (SOE) operatives, led by Major Patrick Leigh Fermor. The objective of the operation was to capture a high-ranking German officer and bring him back to Allied-controlled territory for interrogation and propaganda purposes.

The operation began on the night of April 26, 1944, when the SOE team, dressed in German military police uniforms, set up a roadblock on the road between Heraklion and Knossos, two towns on the island of Crete. When Kreipe's car arrived at the roadblock, the team overpowered the driver and the general's staff officer and took Kreipe into custody.

The team then transported Kreipe through the mountains of Crete, avoiding German patrols and checkpoints along the way. The journey was long and arduous, and the team had to contend with difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions. However, they eventually reached a remote beach on the southern coast of the island, where a British submarine was waiting to take them back to Allied-controlled territory.

The Kreipe operation was a significant propaganda victory for the Allies, as it demonstrated their ability to carry out daring raids behind enemy lines and strike at high-value targets. The operation also had an impact on the morale of German troops in Crete, who were left shaken by the audacity of the SOE team.

However, the operation also had serious consequences for the civilian population of Crete. In the aftermath of the abduction, the German occupiers carried out brutal reprisals against the Cretan population, executing hundreds of civilians in retaliation. The operation has also been criticized for its potential impact on the course of the war, as Kreipe's replacement as commander of German forces on Crete was more competent and effective than his predecessor, potentially leading to increased German resistance to the Allied invasion of the island later that year.

The Last Flight

Von Greim and Reitsch's arrival in Berlin on April 26, 1945, was a dangerous and daring mission that involved flying into a city that was under siege by the Soviet army. Despite the danger, Hitler had insisted that von Greim and Reitsch be brought to the Führerbunker in order to discuss the situation with the Luftwaffe and to assess the situation on the ground.

The flight into Berlin was difficult and perilous, with Soviet anti-aircraft fire posing a constant threat to the small plane. Despite this, Reitsch managed to land the plane on an improvised airstrip near the Tiergarten park, and the two were quickly whisked away to the Führerbunker by Martin Bormann.

Their arrival in the bunker was met with mixed reactions. Some of the generals and advisors present were impressed by their bravery and determination, while others were skeptical of the value of their mission, given the dire state of affairs in the city.

Von Greim, for his part, quickly set to work trying to organize the remaining Luftwaffe forces in the city and devising a plan to relieve the besieged German troops. He also met with Hitler personally, and the two discussed the situation in Berlin at length.

Reitsch, meanwhile, attempted to persuade Magda Goebbels to let her take the Goebbels children to safety. She also spent time in the bunker, observing the chaos and destruction taking place outside and preparing for her own mission out of Berlin.

Ultimately, von Greim and Reitsch's arrival in Berlin was a symbol of Hitler's desperation and determination to cling to power, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Their mission was ultimately doomed to failure, as the Soviet army continued to advance into the heart of the city, but their bravery and dedication in the face of such incredible danger and adversity remains a testament to their courage and determination.

Photo of the Day

Hisao Tani being executed for war crimes, Mount Yuhuatai, Nanjing, China, 26 Apr 1947.

As we conclude today's edition of the Hidden History newsletter, we reflect on the establishment of the Gestapo and the impact it had on the war and on the world. The Gestapo's legacy is a dark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power, intolerance, and hate. We also remember the bravery and sacrifice of individuals like Heinrich Kreipe, Hanna Reitsch, and many others who risked everything to stand up to tyranny and oppression. Join us again tomorrow for more stories and insights into the events that shaped our world during the Second World War.

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Have a great week :)

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