Reinhard Heydrich: Encyclopedia II - Reinhard Heydrich - Nazi Party and the SS

Reinhard Heydrich - Nazi Party and the SS

In 1931, Himmler began to set up a counter-intelligence division of the SS. Acting on a friend's advice, he interviewed Heydrich, and after a twenty minute test whereby Heydrich had to outline plans for the new division, Himmler hired him on the spot. In doing so Himmler also effectively recruited Heydrich into the Nazi Party. He would later receive a Totenkopfring from Himmler, for his service.

At this time he was relatively insignificant within the Nazi intelligence apparatus. He and his staff spent their time building up a card-file system on all persons who were considered a threat to the Party, often including party officials themselves. Heydrich supported his family on a meagre salary and worked in a tiny office.

In July 1932 his division took on the title of Sicherheitsdienst (SD). Heydrich built up a mutually beneficial partnership with Himmler. Later he became the head of the Reichssicherheitshauptamt (RSHA), of which the SD, the Gestapo and the Einsatzgruppen were parts.

Upon the establishment of the Third Reich, Heydrich helped Adolf Hitler 'dig up dirt' on many political opponents, keeping an impressive filing system listing individuals and organizations opposing the party and the regime. He is believed to be the creator of the forged documents of Russian correspondence with the German high command that sparked the Great Purge. He was also instrumental in establishing the false 'attack' by Poland on German national radio at Gleiwitz, which was to be the beginning of World War II.

Heydrich also served briefly in the war as a Luftwaffe pilot and won several decorations for bravery: Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class, the Front-Line Combat Badge, and the Wound Badge. His flying career came to an abrupt end when he was shot down by Russian AA fire in late 1941, and he had to swim across a river to safety. This was too much for Himmler and he was grounded.

Heydrich was one of the main architects of the Holocaust during the first years of World War II and chaired the Wannsee Conference, at which plans for the deportation of the Jews to extermination camps were discussed.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Nazi Party and the SS", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki