Historical Background - Claus Von Stauffenberg
 Claus Von Stauffenberg
On July 20, 1944, at approximately 12:40 pm, Claus Philip Schenck von Stauffenberg walked into a briefing with Hitler and his top Generals at Wolfschanze (Wolf’s Lair) in Rastenburg, Germany. He took a place at the map table, put down his briefcase, whispered a few words to a colleague then exited. A few minutes later, an explosion rocked the structure.
Claus Philip Schenck von Stauffenberg was born to an aristocratic family on November 15, 1907 in Jettingen, Germany. His father was Lord Chamberlain to the King of Wurttemburg in monarchial Germany. He had a twin brother, Konrad, who died a day after birth and two older brothers (also twins), Berthold and Alexander born March 15, 1905.
He was educated by private tutors and in the German Gymnasium. He studied the classics, learned to speak several languages and early in his life fell under the spell of the German philosopher/poet Stefan George. George cultivated in Claus the myth of a “Secret Germany” – a Germany that was not only self-reliant but one which could pursue German interests in Europe and abroad.
At one time, Claus wanted to be an architect but never pursued it. Instead, he pursued a military career. As an aristocrat, he believed it was his responsibility to serve Germany as an officer, a civil servant or professional. In 1936, as German rearmament continued, Claus entered the War Academy. He graduated first in his class and would later receive the highest praise from his superiors.
As World War II came, Claus, posted as Second General-Staff officer to the 6th Panzer Division, distinguished himself in the campaigns in Poland and France. Near the end of the French campaign he was posted to the General Staff Organization Branch of the army. He was disappointed to be leaving the field but recognized the opportunity of his posting to the General Staff.. He was considered a brilliant General Staff officer, so much so that even senior Generals visiting from the front wanted to meet him.
He had earlier given tacit support to Hitler and the Nazis, but increasingly, he became disillusioned with the conduct of the war as well as the murder of innocent civilians. In May 1942, he received information that SS soldiers had executed Jews in the Ukraine, having first forced them to dig their own grave. By this time, with the invasion of the Soviet Union all but stalled and growing more concerned with the brutish tactics of the SS, he began trying to convince senior officers on the General Staff that Hitler must be removed from power. Although there were those who sympathized with him, including former Chief of the General Staff Ludwig Beck, none were willing to take action.
Frustrated with the politicking in Berlin, he requested a transfer to Africa. He was posted as General Staff officer to the 10th Panzer Division in Tunisia and arrived at the division command post on February 14, 1943. Within two months after having arrived, the division was in full retreat, and as Claus was trying to ensure his troops safely north toward Italy, he was severely wounded. He lost his left eye as well as his right hand and two fingers on his left.
Returning home, after a period of convalescence, he was repeatedly recruited by friends and colleagues to join a conspiracy to launch a coup against Hitler. Claus joined the plotters and became actively engaged in planning and searching for an assassin. As July 1st, 1944 came with no successful attempt on the Fuhrer’s life and with a new posting as Chief of Staff of the Home Army which provided Claus with direct access to Hitler, he took it upon himself to be the assassin. Beck, along with Claus’ physician, attempted to dissuade him; that to be the leader of the coup and the assassin was too much for one person let alone someone with his disabilities. Claus refused to submit. In his mind it was too late. The Russians were pressing in the East, and the Allies had landed in France less than a month before. He felt it was his responsibility as a General Staff Officer to try to save his country, but more importantly to show the world that there were those in Germany who not only disagreed with Hitler and his policies but who were willing to risk their lives to do something about it. The bomb exploded, but Hitler survived and without Claus’ leadership in Berlin until late in the day, the coup fell apart. He was executed late in the night of July 20th, 1944. His last words, as gunshots rang out in the dead of night, were, “Long Live Our Sacred Germany.” |
