Mussolini and Hitler in visit on the Russian front

Der Duce un der Fhurer

Emil Maurice as SS-Oberfuhrer, wearing the ribbon and medal of the Blood Order, 1930s.  Maurice was a bodyguard/driver of Hitler from the old days.  He is credited with the suggestion for setting up a dedicated bodyguard for Hitler's protection, the organisation that ultimately became the SS.  Maurice became SS No. 2, with Hitler as SS No. 1.  However, he never enjoyed a leadership role in the SS and, in truth, was probably lucky to survive Himmler's obsession with "tidying up" leftover prominent SS personalities (in this case, Himmler appeared to believe that Maurice was a bit Jewish).  Maurice survived because Hitler continued to protect him - the Fuhrer could be very loyal to at least some of this old friends ...  Best regards, JR.

The man who thought up the SS ...

A photograph taken of Heinrich Himmler minutes after he committed suicide will be sold at auction next month. 