German Leadership

Consecration.

Hitler "blesses" new banners awarded to Nazi formations by touching them with the Nazi Party's number one "relic", the "Blutfahne" carried in the 9 November, 1923 "Beer Hall Putsch", and supposedly soaked in the blood of the 9 November "martyrs". Arguments as to Hitler's religious convictions continue. My own view, for what it is worth, is that his religion depended on what was convenient at any given moment; a matter essentially of political convenience. In any case, speaking as someone who was brought up a Roman Catholic, the influence of Catholic ceremonial practice on Nazi ceremonies such of this is very clear. The fact that Hitler, Goebbels and Himmler were all raised Catholic (Goebbels' parents hoped he would become a priest - sounds like my late mother) is hardly without significance in this regard. The Blutfahne is borne here, as was usual, by its official standard-bearer, Jakob Grimminger. Himmler is lurking further in the background. Best regards, JR.