Rudolf Hess

KarlHaushofer RudolfHess

Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1969-054-53A, Nürnberg, Reichsparteitag

Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1972-001-07, München, Zirkus Krone, Rede Hitler

Kfz-Standarte Rudolf Heß

Bundesarchiv Bild 183-B01718, Ausstellung "Planung und Aufbau im Osten"

Rudolf Hess - Bf 110D Werk Nr 3869 - Wreckage - Bonnyton Moor

Rudolf Hess (26 April 1894 – 17 August 1987) was a prominent figure in Nazi Germany, serving as Adolf Hitler's Deputy Führer until his mysterious solo flight to Scotland in 1941. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, to a German merchant father and a German mother, Hess was raised in Germany from his teenage years and served in the First World War. After the war, he joined the fledgling National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) and quickly became a close confidant of Adolf Hitler. His loyalty and dedication to Hitler were instrumental in his rise within the party, culminating in his appointment as Deputy Führer in 1933.

Early Life and Career

Rudolf Hess was born into a prosperous family and spent his early years in Egypt before moving to Germany for his education. He served with distinction in the First World War, where he was wounded several times and received the Iron Cross. After the war, disillusioned by Germany's defeat and the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, Hess joined the NSDAP, where he was influenced by Hitler's charismatic leadership and vision for Germany.

Rise in the Nazi Party

Hess's unwavering support for Hitler and his organizational skills helped him climb the ranks of the Nazi Party. He participated in the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, after which he was imprisoned with Hitler. During their imprisonment, Hess assisted Hitler in the writing of Mein Kampf, further solidifying his position as Hitler's deputy. Upon their release, Hess continued to work closely with Hitler, playing a key role in the party's rise to power in 1933.

Deputy Führer

As Deputy Führer, Hess was responsible for several key aspects of Nazi administration, including the consolidation of power and the suppression of opposition. He was known for his loyalty to Hitler and his fanatical belief in Nazi ideology. However, his influence within the party began to wane as World War II progressed, with figures such as Hermann Göring, Joseph Goebbels, and Heinrich Himmler gaining more favor with Hitler.

Flight to Scotland

In one of the most baffling episodes of World War II, on 10 May 1941, Hess flew solo to Scotland in an attempt to negotiate peace with the United Kingdom, without Hitler's knowledge or approval. His plane crashed, and he was captured by British forces. The British government detained him for the remainder of the war. Hitler denounced Hess's mission as the act of a madman, and he was expelled from the Nazi Party.

Nuremberg Trials and Imprisonment

After the war, Hess was tried at the Nuremberg Trials, where he was convicted of crimes against peace and conspiracy to commit crimes against peace. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, which he served at Spandau Prison in Berlin. Hess remained in prison until his death in 1987, by which time he was the last remaining inmate of Spandau Prison.

Death

Rudolf Hess died in Spandau Prison under mysterious circumstances. Official reports stated that he committed suicide by hanging, but there has been speculation and conspiracy theories suggesting foul play.

Legacy

Hess's flight to Scotland remains one of the most enigmatic events of World War II, leading to various interpretations of his motives and mental state. His lifelong imprisonment has been a subject of debate, with some viewing it as just retribution for his role in the Nazi regime, while others have argued it was disproportionate, especially in his later years.