Birth Of Hitlerism (Press, 13 December 1985)

On 30 June 1934, a pivotal moment in the establishment of Hitler's Nazi dictatorship unfolded with the brutal operation known as "Operation Humming Bird." This event marked the beginning of Hitler's reign of terror, initiated barely a year after he assumed power. It involved a premeditated purge of potential opposition within the ranks of the Nazi Party, particularly targeting the stormtroopers, also known as SA (Sturmabteilung). The operation commenced early in the morning when Adolf Hitler, accompanied by key figures like Heinrich Himmler and Hermann Göring, arrived at a lakeside hotel in Bavaria. There, they arrested Ernst Röhm, the SA leader, who was seen as a threat due to his powerful position and the influence he wielded over four million brownshirts. Röhm was accused of treason and taken into custody, along with numerous other SA leaders who were rounded up and executed by firing squads. Accounts from Sir Hugh Greene, a then Berlin correspondent, reveal the chaos and brutality of that day. In his documentary "Night of the Humming Bird," he provides eyewitness testimonies from survivors and insights into the motivations behind the massacre. The killings were framed by the regime as a necessary action to prevent a supposed coup by the SA, yet they were, in reality, a means for Hitler to consolidate his control and eliminate any potential threats from within his party. The purge escalated throughout the day, with numerous executions taking place. Notable figures executed included former Chancellor von Schleicher and prominent party members like Gregor Strasser. These events were met with disbelief among the ranks of the Nazis, as many shouted "Heil Hitler" even as they faced execution. The consequences of "Operation Humming Bird" were significant, leading to a shift in power dynamics within the Nazi regime. Many of those who previously supported Hitler found themselves at risk, and the military, judiciary, and civil services ultimately accepted Hitler's disregard for justice. The operation marked a crucial turning point in the establishment of a dictatorship characterised by fear and oppression. In the aftermath, figures like former SS General Karl Wolff provided insights into the implementations of the murders, while survivors like Conrad Josten reflected on the fear and chaos that defined this dark chapter in history. Josten's viewpoint articulated the stark reality of the situation, emphasising that anyone oblivious to the implications of National Socialism by that date was either foolish or opportunistic. Overall, "Operation Humming Bird" solidified Hitler's grip on power and signalled the beginning of a relentless campaign against dissent, paving the way for the atrocities that would follow in Nazi Germany.

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