German Leadership

Himmler's paramour.

?Heinrich Hoffmann

Hedwig Potthast ("Haschen"), daughter of a professional soldier (sergeant-major). Joined the SS staff as a secretary at the age of 22 (1934), at which time she met Heinrich Himmler. Appears to have become Himmler's mistress in 1939. They set up a separate household at Mechlenburg, and had a son and a daughter together. Himmler's relationship with Hedwig seems to have mellowed the old stick somewhat, according to acquaintances and friends. While her degree of contact with Marga seems to have been minimal, neither was there much sign of friction between the pair. Hedwig must, in any event, have had some contact with Himmler's daughter (by Marga) Gudrun, who was often called to her father's side even on official occasions. Best regards, JR. BTW - while authorship is uncertain, the style of this photo suggests Heinrich Hoffman at his most artistic ... JR.