Heinz Linge
Heinz Linge (23 March 1913 – 9 March 1980) was a German SS officer who served as a valet for the leader of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, and became known for his close personal proximity to historical events. Linge was present in the Führerbunker on 30 April 1945, when Hitler committed suicide. Linge's ten-year service to Hitler ended at that time. In the aftermath of the Second World War in Europe, Linge spent ten years in Soviet captivity.
Heinz Linge | |
|---|---|
Linge in 1935 | |
| Born | 23 March 1913 Bremen, German Empire |
| Died | 9 March 1980 (aged 66) Hamburg, West Germany |
| Allegiance | Nazi Germany |
| Service/ | Schutzstaffel |
| Years of service | 1933–45 |
| Rank | Obersturmbannführer |
| Unit | 1st SS Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler; Führerbegleitkommando |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
According to his memoir, titled With Hitler to the End and published by Skyhorse in 2009, "Linge was responsible for all aspects of Hitler’s household". Despite the circumstances of the war, Linge's portrayal of the Führer has been described as "affectionate", although Hitler as a supervisor acted in a manner "unpredictable and demanding".