Not only at this time did the Soviets forces: Part detective mystery, part political exorcism – Trevor Roper, operating under the alias of “Major Oughton”, was led to confront not only the open case of Hitler’s fate but also the consequences of Soviet control in Berlin, specifically the site of the Führerbunker, and the stony faced response received from Soviet authorities whenever enquiries were made. Most remarkable for the factual reassessments presented as forewords, annexes, and appendices, as Trevor Roper worked on no fewer than six editions – in his own words: “according to the opportunities of knowledge, and the resources of vocabulary”. The report Trevor Roper compiled, published as ‘The Last Days of Adolf Hitler’ remains required reading and an essential starting point for anyone intrigued by the circumstances regarding the Nazi leader’s demise. Perhaps best when asking these questions to start from the beginning – or the end. Where did the radical idea of Hitler’s escape come from, and when did it become something that could be seriously considered?įor that matter, what evidence is there of Adolf Hitler’s final days in Berlin and what exists to be studied of his physical remains? While this alternate story has become somewhat of a dog toy among amateur historians, is it fair to portray it as mere supermarket rag sensationalism? The deluded fan fiction fantasies of a minority group of conspiracy theorists? Pulp chicanery presented as deep-dive investigative journalism? Or is there some greater force at work?īeyond the fringe group of advocates, responsible for propagating the story through various forms of media, are there – or were there – other parties that have, and would have, benefitted from the proliferation of this story?Īnd the smoke and mirrors of a concocted and intentionally misleading tale. And an escape from retribution at the hands of the victims.īut a very real escape into anonymity? Could it be possible? The ‘official’ version of events understandably does little to address the dissatisfaction inherent in such an unceremonious ending. It would be a titillating coda to a furious and un-accommodating conflict. It did not facilitate further genocide and planetary misfortune. It did not lead to further bloodshed or the rise of the 4th Reich. What we can say then before venturing deep into the detective work is this: If Hitler did abscond with his newly minted wife in tow, his flight did not lead to an extension of the war. Suggestions of Hitler’s intrepid escape can elucidate a sly chuckle and inside joke glance, while remaining satisfyingly provocative and obtuse. Unlike greater, and more threatening, contrivances, the victims of this story are none. Perhaps the ability of the story of Hitler’s escape to penetrate mainstream consciousness lies in its seeming inoffensiveness. Providing the same kind of mediocre satisfaction as school yard gossip. Some of those who reference it undoubtedly also view it as simply fodder for a cheap laugh. No doubt many may truly consider it possible. I have happened upon it myself thousands of times, and with frightening regularity also encountered people who are willing to believe that there may be some accuracy to the myth. ![]() It is not unusual to encounter this theory when the question of the brutal climax of the war in Europe – the ‘ Battle for Berlin’ – is discussed. Without a doubt one of the most pervasive, and persistent, conspiracy theories to have come out of the Second World War is that Nazi leader, Adolf Hitler, escaped to Argentina in 1945 – somehow evading capture, to live out the rest of his years in South American exile.Īn incredible disappearing act, if true – perhaps the greatest magic trick of the 20th century – to some, the ultimate cold case.Ĭould there be some legitimacy to the tale? Contrary to the more conventionally held conclusion – agreed upon by the vast majority of historians – that Hitler spent his final days cloistered inside a concrete reinforced bunker, before perishing at his own hand alongside his wife, Eva, as Soviet troops descended on the Nazi capital.
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