REINHARD HEYDRICH

By Martin L. Skubinna

Reinhard Heydrich was born at Halle, Germany in 1904. In 1918, he joined the anti-Weimar Republic Free Corps. From 1922 to 1931, Heydrich served in the German Navy. He resigned to join the National Socialist (Nazi) Party.

Heydrich became an instrumental member of the Nazi Party. He rose to become second-in-command of the Gestapo (or Secret Police). During World War II, he was charged with subduing occupied countries, which he accomplished by ordering mass executions. For this, Heydrich was given the nickname The Hangman.

In 1941, Heydrich was made Deputy-Protector of Bohemia and Marvia. The following year, he was assassinated by Czech partisans. In reprisal, the village of Lidice was razed and every man put to death by the SS.

This site was created on March 5, 1997 and revised on March 14, 1998.