What if Adolf Hitler had died during the First World War? It could have happened - out of the millions who died why not him? He served for a long time, was by all accounts a dependable solider and certainly did not lack personal courage. He was decorated a number of times and wounded.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_career_of_Adolf_Hitler#World_War_I
He was in action in the Ypres salient and in particular around Messines Ridge.
This was the view today from the top of the ridge with the Canadian monument behind me. This was the German front line - you may make out a bunker in the far left corner of the panorama. The misty conditions give it a sinister look.
One shot or shell splinter and the history of the 20th Century is changed in an instant.
Reading the Wiki article I think you can see how some of his experiences in the First World War shaped some of his thinking about politics. The irony of the Jewish officer who recommended him for the Iron Cross 1st class is painful.
No comments:
Post a Comment