German Forces

Christian Wirth.

Christian Wirth as SS-Sturmbannfuhrer (final rank Obersturmbannfuhrer), probably photographed in Italy, late 1943. Wirth was a career secret policeman (KRIPO, possibly followed by Gestapo). He transferred into Aktion T4, where he occupied a senior operational role in which he helped to develop procedures for the "euthanasia" of disabled persons. He carried skills developed there into "Aktion Reinhard", the Lublin-based programme for the extermination of Jews that was responsible for the murder of at least 1.5, and perhaps as many as 2 million persons. As Inspector of "Reinhard" camps, Wirth was principal lieutanant of their overall commander, Odilo Globocnik. When "Reinhard" was discontinued (and following certain disagreements over Globocnik's rather disruptive approach to the "Germanisation" of the Lublin district), Wirth followed Globocnik to Italy, where the latter was placed in charge of "Einzatz R", an operation devoted to the elimination of Jews and partisans in northern Italy, complete with its own mini death-and-transport camp at San Sabba, in a former rice mill. Wirth was killed on 26 May 1944, apparently in an ambush by Yugoslav partisans near Trieste - although it is possible that he was killed by his own men (who feared him more than they feared the enemy). He was buried with military honours. His ample medal bar, and specific decorations worn, are interesing. Wirth was another example (like Hoss) of a mass murderer with a distinguished WW1 record. Apart from the War Merit Cross, First Class, he is wearing the WW1 EK 2 ribbon with 1939 Clasp and the (1914) EK 1. The medal bar reflects a number of other distinguished service awards from WW1. Best regards, JR.