Himmler's hostages : the untold story of Himmler's special prisoners and the end of WWII / Tom Wall.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Wall, Tom, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

World War, 1939-1945--Prisoners and prisons, Irish.

World War, 1939-1945.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (278 pages) : illustrations

Place of Publication:

Yorkshire, England ; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania : Pen & Sword Military, [2021]

Summary:

The notorious Nazi leader's attempt to take war prisoners hostage at the end of WWII is revealed in this lively and expertly researched history. During the final weeks of the Second World War, Heinrich Himmler assembled the most famous and noteworthy SS prisoners be taken hostage. Himmler's plan was to use these individuals as bargaining chips to save the Reich-or, failing that, himself. Known as the Prominenten, this group included European politicians and former heads of state, five British survivors of the 'Great Escape, ' two MI5 agents, and Irish born POWs. This meticulously researched study sheds new light on how the British prisoners came to be integrated with a multinational group of VIPs in Dachau concentration camp, including German family groups of men, women and children; relatives of those implicated in plot to kill Hitler. The lively narrative describes kidnapping, escape attempts, interpersonal conflict, betrayal and comradeship. It also reveals intrigues and love affairs among the prisoners, culminating in their dramatic attempt to free themselves from the SS.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781526785886

1526785889

9781526785862

1526785862