Blown-up bridge across Volga river/Russia

Volga bridge

From left, Hans Scholl, his sister Sophie Scholl, and Christoph Probst, members of the "White Rose" German resistance group, active in the University of Munich, 1942-'43.  During this period, the group produced and distributed six leaflets highly critical of the war, and of the Nazi regime and its crimes.  Having been observed distributing copies of the sixth leaflet at the University on 18 February 1943, Sophie and Hans Scholl were arrested by the Gestapo, who proceeded to round up most of the White Rose core group.  This led to a series of "White Rose trials", which produced 6 executed death sentences directly (five students and one professor), as well as a number of long prison sentences.  At least one further execution, in 1945, is connected directly with White Rose activity.  The first White Rose trial - that of Hans, Sophie and Christophe - and their execution a few hours later (beheading by guillotine) took place on 22 February 1943 - 67 years ago today.  Gods grant them the Peace that passes all understanding.  JR.

White Rose.

Einsatzgruppe member SS Brigadeführer; member of the SD; commanding officer of Vorkommando Moscow of Einsatzgruppe B