Hitler Assembles The Reichsleiter and Gauleiter After July 1944 Attempt

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Date: Friday, 4 August 1944
Place: Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschanze, Rastenburg, Ostpreußen/East Prussia
Photographer: Unknown

4 August 1944: After the assassination attempt of 20 July 1944 Adolf Hitler assembles the Reich (Reichsleiter) and Gau (Gauleiter) Leadership at the Wolfschanze to render homage to him. A demonstration of the unity of the NSDAP political leadership. Reichsleiter (national leader or Reich leader) was the second highest political rank of the NSDAP, next only to the office of Führer. Reichsleiter also served as a paramilitary rank in the Nazi Party and was the highest position attainable in any Nazi organisation. A Gauleiter was the party leader of a regional branch of the NSDAP (more commonly known as the Nazi Party) or the head of a Gau or of a Reichsgau. Gauleiter was the second highest Nazi Party paramilitary rank, subordinate only to the higher rank Reichsleiter and to the position of Führer. During World War II, the rank of Gauleiter was obtained only by direct appointment from Adolf Hitler.

Source:
Fotos aus dem Führerhauptquartier - Hermann Historica München