Thomas F. (hardtack) - , reviewed on 8/31/2017 + 2595 more book reviews

A fascinating and compelling read about the secret service of World War II from the other side---the Germans. I've read so much about many of the incidents Schellenberg reports on from the Allied point of view, so it was interesting to read of these incidents from his perspective. Especially interesting were the depiction of his action to save concentration camp prisoners and prevent the loss of more German lives at the end of the war. However, it is left to the reader to decide how self-serving his account was, as he hoped to depict himself favorably in history and for the upcoming war crimes trials.

Summoned as a witness in the cases against many of the surviving Nazi leaders, Schellenberg had his own trial in 1949. He was acquitted of all but two charges, being a member of the SS, and the department of which he was head was responsible for the execution of a number of Russian prisoners.

Sentenced to six years imprisonment, one of the lightest sentences given, he was in prison from 1949 until 1951, when he was released early due to illness. He died in 1952.

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