ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Hitler's Final Moments Before Death Revealed By Former Bodyguard

Hitler's Final Moments Before Death Revealed By Former Bodyguard

'His eyes were open and staring, his head had fallen forward slightly.'

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A newly published book will reveal the final moments of Adolph Hitler's life.

Hitler's personal bodyguard, Rochus Misch, released a series of candid photos of the Nazi dictator, giving a glimpse into his personal life and his relationship with his wife, Eva Braun.

The book, titled Hitler's Last Witness, was written by Misch, who died in 2013 at the age of 96. And now, for the first time, it will published in the English.

Credit: Media Drum World

The book's commissioning editor, Martin Mace, said: "On 30th April 1945, Rochus Misch was at the switchboard in Hitler's bunker.

"He received the message from General Keitel that he had failed to break the Soviet encirclement of Berlin, and that the end was both close at hand and inevitable.

Eva Braun. Credit: Media Drum World

"Shortly afterwards, Misch heard Hitler talking quietly to [head of the Nazi party chancellery] Martin Bormann and others. He looked and saw Hitler walk into his study, Eva, now Mrs Hitler, followed him in. He saw Otto Günsche, the Führer's adjutant, close the door behind the newly-married couple.

"Güsche told Misch that the 'boss' was not to be disturbed. Hitler shook hands with Günsche and told him that all soldiers were released from their oath of loyalty. Hitler had already told his adjutant that he did not want his body to be publicly abused as [Italian dictator] Benito Mussolini's had been and that he wanted his corpse to be burned.

Rochus Misch. Credit: Media Drum World

"This had already been arranged by Günsche with an SS Reichssicherheitsdienst man who assisted Misch on the switchboard. Everyone in the bunker waited nervously. Then there was some commotion.

"The study door was opened and Misch looked inside, 'My glance fell first on Eva. She was seated with her legs drawn up, her head inclined towards Hitler. Her shoes were under the sofa. Near her ... the dead Hitler. His eyes were open and staring, his head had fallen forward slightly.'"

Misch also wrote that Hitler and Braun's relationship began a long-time before it became public knowledge, revealing that they had secret connecting doors to each other's rooms.

Featured Image Credit: Media Drum World