Adolf Hitler during the First World War

Contrary to what many say, Hitler did fight in a battle in WWI

Battalion courier Adolf Hitler in May 1915 with his rifle slung over his shoulder. Hitler is on his way to delivering a message. (Wiki, Public Domain)

On the surface, there is nothing to indicate the controversy that shrouded Hitler’s record in the Great War. The bare facts of Hitler’s military career are very clear and quite well documented. At first glance, therefore, it seems strange that there is any debate whatsoever.

Hitler in the Great War

On Sunday, 2 August 1914, the 25-year-old Hitler stands among the thousands of people at the Odeonsplatz in Munich. The elated crowd, celebrating the outbreak of war, is photographed by Heinrich Hoffmann. Later, Hitler is identified as a figure in the crowd, although nowadays it is thought to be a case of trickery. (Wiki, Public Domain)

Hitler was at the Odeonsplatz in Munich on 2 August 1914 to celebrate the outbreak of the war against Russia. He stood near the front row of the frenzied crowd and the historic moment was captured by Munich photographer Heinrich Hoffmann. Hoffmann’s photograph shows Hitler smiling and waving his hat. Nowadays, however, there are doubts as to whether it is a case of trickery. But it is inevitable that Hitler, like so many of his contemporaries, applauded the start of the war.

Adolf Hitler in 1916 in the rear line of Fournes. (Wiki, Public Domain)

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