Martin Bormann, the private secretary of Adolf Hitler and head of the Nazi Party Chancellery, held immense power and influence due to his close proximity to Hitler. As the second most important Nazi leader by the end of World War II, Bormann’s shrewd business acumen allowed him to rise through the ranks and become Hitler’s personal favorite in matters of information flow and finance management. Known for his racist and anti-Christian beliefs, Bormann played a significant role in suppressing Jews and Slavic people, as well as curbing the power of the Church. He infamously signed the decree for the ‘Final Solution’ and remained loyal to Hitler until his death, which occurred under mysterious circumstances while attempting to escape Soviet encirclement. Bormann’s unwavering loyalty was evident as he carried a copy of Hitler’s last will and testament at the time of his demise.
Quick Facts
- German Celebrities Born In June
- Also Known As: Martin Ludwig Bormann
- Died At Age: 44
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Gerda Buch, Manja Behrens
- Father: Theodor Bormann
- Mother: Antonie Bernhardine Mennong
- Siblings: Albert Bormann
- Children: Ehrengard Bormann, Eva Ute Bormann, Fred Hartmut Bormann, Gerda Bormann, Heinrich Hugo Bormann, Ilse Bormann, Irmgard Bormann, Martin Adolf Bormann, Rudolf Gerhard Bormann, Volker Bormann
- Born Country: Germany
- War Criminals
- Political Leaders
- Died on: May 2, 1945
- Place of death: Berlin
Childhood & Early Life
Martin Bormann was born on June 17, 1900 in Wegeleben, Germany to Theodor Bormann and Antonie Bernhardine Mennong. His father passed away when he was three years old and his mother remarried. He had a younger brother named Albert who later served as an adjutant to Hitler. Bormann quit his studies at an agricultural trade high school to join the 55th Field Artillery Regiment in June 1918, during the last days of World War I. After the war, he became the estate manager of a large farm in Mecklenburg. He joined an anti-Semitic landowners association and the Freikorps organisation in Mecklenburg, headed by Gerhard Rossbach. In 1924, he was sentenced to a year’s imprisonment for his involvement in a murder.
Career
Around 1927, Bormann joined the Nazi Party in Thuringia and worked as a Regional Press Officer. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the area Business Manager. He also founded the National Socialist Automobile Corps and initiated a relief fund for injured party members. In 1933, he became the chief of staff in the office of Deputy Führer, Rudolf Hess, and served as his personal secretary until 1941. He gained Hitler’s trust and became an important part of his inner circle. Bormann set up the Adolf Hitler Fund of German Trade and Industry and controlled civil service appointments and promotions. During World War II, he took on more responsibilities and effectively usurped Hess’ position. He advocated harsh measures against Jews and prisoners of war and had control over all domestic matters. After Hitler’s suicide, he was named Party Minister.
Major Works
Bormann’s importance within the Nazi party was unquestionable. He served as Hitler’s Personal Secretary from 1935 onwards and worked his way up to the position of Chief of the Party Chancellery. He died as Party Minister.
Personal Life & Legacy
Bormann married Gerda Buch in 1929 and they had ten children together. After World War II, he was convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity in absentia. His body was found in 1972 and genetic testing confirmed his identity. His remains were cremated and scattered in the Baltic Sea. Gerda Bormann died of cancer in 1946 and their children grew up in foster homes.