Published: 1 August 2005
Air & Space Power Journal - Fall 2005

At Hitler’s Side: The Memoirs of Hitler’s Luftwaffe Adjutant, 1937–1945 by Nicolaus von Below. Stackpole Books (http://www.stackpolebooks.com/cgi-bin/StackpoleBooks.storefront), 5067 Ritter Road, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17055-6921, 2004, 256 pages, $19.95 (softcover).

If you read any World War II book about Adolf Hitler, this should be it. Period. Nicolaus von Below’s firsthand account of eight years as Hitler’s Luftwaffe adjutant gives the reader not just an inside perspective of the Third Reich’s leadership, but tremendous insight into Hitler’s persona as well.

Von Below suggests that Hitler was not the psycho-pathic maniac history would have us believe; rather, he was a compelling speaker, a visionary man, and an extremely well rounded individual who could easily converse on a number of subjects ranging from art and science to international politics: “I never perceived in Hitler any mental inflexibility or arrogance. . . . His memory was very good and his knowledge of many subjects such as music, history, and the natural sciences above average. He was self-taught, but this self-education had been continuous over decades and had an unusually broad basis” (p. 82).

We also see that Hitler had a small and fairly stable circle of staff and advisors that remained with him until the end of the war, despite whatever differences he may have had with them. Take, for example, Hitler’s loyalty to Hermann Göring, who, despite demonstrated operational incompetence and disagreement with the Führer, remained commander in chief of the Luftwaffe until the final weeks of the war. Von Below also captures Hitler’s dedication to Benito Mussolini, despite his clear distrust of the Italian fascist ruler, as well as the rise (and sometimes fall) of many German flag officers in Hitler’s eyes, including Erwin Rommel, Erich von Manstein, and Albert Kesselring.

Lessons of airpower abound here. By war’s end, we see the consequences of national priorities such as the manufacture of aircraft versus tanks or flak guns, internal production priorities of bombers versus fighters, changes in operational strategies during campaigns (e.g., the Battle of Britain), and even views of the Luftwaffe’s utility (as a ground--attack weapon rather than a force that controlled the air [p. 19]). Von Below eagerly highlights the Luftwaffe’s successes (including blitzkrieg operations in Poland and France and at times against the US and British bombing campaign), makes points for improvement, and criticizes shortcomings that ultimately helped seal its doom.

As a staff officer with experience at various levels of headquarters, I empathize with some of the author’s situations and unpleasant tasks. His dealings with Hitler were not unlike those of any trusted staff or executive officer’s tasks today: keep the boss informed, serve as a confidant or sounding board, and remain discreet when the situation calls for it. Von Below clearly had Hitler’s ear, not just about Luftwaffe matters but also the course of operations. The frustration of making a valid point but then seeing decisions take another direction would have been almost heartbreaking to him.

Interestingly, von Below actually rewrote the book years after the war. He had kept an intricate journal during the war, which he, his wife, and close associates destroyed before war’s end. Von Below then rewrote these detailed notes after his capture, folding in letters to his wife, uncle, and other friends and associates. He precisely recollects meetings, events, and Hitler’s interactions. Von Below takes pains to note that he never agreed with the Nazi philosophy; however, his initiation to the party required swearing an oath to support it. Taking the job as Hitler’s Luftwaffe adjutant was an extension of that oath. Both Göring and Hitler knew about this disagreement but valued von Below’s ability to provide valuable service to Hitler. Indeed, the reader sees this conviction to duty throughout his writing, despite his waning optimism for a German victory: “I realized that the mutual relationship of trust that had developed between us had blinded me to the black side of [Hitler’s] regime. I saw that he alone prevented the end to a struggle which had become pointless” (pp. 11–12).

Von Below cites key speeches that illustrate the Führer’s ability to stir German nationalism, draw into its conservative base, and stoke the Germans’ smoldering emotional fires. The populace continued to believe in Hitler, despite the eventual bombing and destruction of their cities, the devastation of industry, and the Allied advance on Germany in 1944–45. Speaking of Hitler’s radio addresses to the German Volk, particularly one address on 30 January 1945, von Below writes, “Many of his listeners still clutched at the straw of the ‘miracle weapons’ which would turn the tide at the last minute” (p. 227).

This book paints a clear picture of a national leader who can appear composed, competent, and capable, yet still lead a country and its people to doom. As staff officers, we have the responsibility to be good stewards to our nation and its citizens. Rhetoric and feel-good speeches need to stand aside so that issues and possible solutions can come to the fore. We must balance paranoia and fear with reason. Von Below shows us that clouding issues and solutions with glitz and hype should serve as a warning that something deeper and potentially sinister may be afoot.

At Hitler’s Side should appeal to staff and executive officers at all levels of the armed forces. It offers a tremendous reading of history and great insight into one of the twentieth century’s most charismatic and sinister leaders, as well as his methods, styles, and the people with whom he surrounded himself. Von Below’s book is a must-read that anyone will enjoy and remember—I guarantee it.

Maj Paul G. Niesen, USAF
Maxwell AFB, Alabama

Disclaimer

The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University. They do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, the United States Air Force or the Air University.