Latest news with #SS-Sturmbannführer
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Declassified Russian documents reveal chilling new details of Hitler's last hours
Credit: X/@TAKEthePAIN68 On the 80th anniversary of Adolf Hitler's death, Russian intelligence has released a trove of once-classified documents that offer chilling new insight into the dictator's final moments in the Führerbunker . The Federal Security Service (FSB), successor to the Soviet-era KGB, unveiled original copies of interrogation records from Hitler's closest aides—his personal vault, SS-Sturmbannführer Heinz Linge , and military adjutant SS-Sturmbannführer Otto Günsche . Both men were captured by Soviet forces at the close of World War II and played a key role in shaping Joseph Stalin's understanding of Hitler's demise. These documents, locked away for decades in a vault in the Ivanovo region and only now made public, include detailed testimonies from Linge and Günsche. For the first time, the FSB has released these full accounts, which reveal previously unheard details about the dictator's suicide, the condition of his body, and the cremation orchestrated by loyalists as Soviet troops closed in on Berlin. Credit: X/@runews In a video accompanying the release, a Russian archivist explains Linge's statement regarding Hitler's decision to take his own life: 'He believed it was utterly pointless to continue the fight. He was afraid of being caught while trying to escape from Berlin. There was also his severe physical condition, which was beyond doubt, as well as his delusions of grandeur, which would not allow him to bow to the victor or enter into negotiations with him.' Linge described entering the room after Hitler's suicide and helping burn the corpses of Hitler and his wife, Eva Braun. He recalled in stark detail the clothing the pair wore at the moment of death. 'At the moment of suicide, Hitler was dressed in a white shirt with a white turn-down collar and a black vest, a grey double-breasted uniform jacket made of fine gabardine, long black trousers of fine gabardine, thin black paper socks, and black leather half-boots,' Linge stated. 'His wife was dressed in a fine silk dress, very thin silk stockings, and shoes with wedge heels (possibly of Italian make).' Macabre footage accompanying the release showed Hitler's dental remains, which Soviet authorities used to confirm his identity. A Soviet forensic report noted 'the presence in the mouth cavity of crushed glass ampoule fragments… a distinct bitter almond smell… and results from chemical testing of internal organs showing cyanide compounds.' The commission concluded that Hitler's death 'resulted from cyanide poisoning.' Credit: X/@runews Linge also addressed one of the lingering suspicions of Soviet leaders—that Hitler may have escaped using a body double. In a signed Russian-translated statement, Linge declared: 'Hitler did not have a double,' and said it was 'impossible to leave the premises without being seen, as there was only one exit from the room.' He added that a double 'could not have committed suicide.' One passage quoted by Russian state media captured Hitler's last exchange with Linge. 'When saying goodbye to Hitler on 30 April 1945, I asked: 'Führer, whom should we try to break through to in the West?' And I received the answer: 'For the sake of the one who is still to come.'' Other details emerged about the grim preparations for cremation. 'Three canisters of petrol, prepared by Reichsleiter Martin Bormann for the cremation of the bodies of Hitler and his wife, were standing on the last landing leading from the bomb shelter into the garden of the Reich Chancellery,' Linge testified. 'All the contents of the canisters were poured over the bodies of Hitler and his wife. Bormann pointed out the canisters to us and went down himself to get his own. This was around 4 p.m., and it was still light. A total of 60 litres of petrol was poured.' Credit: X/@runews Linge also recanted parts of his earlier account, admitting under Soviet interrogation: 'I must admit that my earlier testimony was incorrect. I did not hear any gunshot sounds but only noticed the smell of gunpowder and, based on that, informed Bormann that the suicide had occurred… I previously stated incorrectly that Eva Braun's body was wrapped in a blanket. I now recall that it was not.' Günsche, like Linge, was flown to Moscow, where he was held under intense psychological pressure. According to the files, Soviet interrogators placed him in a cell with Nazi war criminal Colonel Remlinger, who was intentionally used to persuade him to cooperate. The tactic succeeded. Günsche eventually distanced himself from his 'oath' to Hitler, emphasizing how Nazi leaders had abandoned their posts in the regime's final hours.
Scottish Sun
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Cowardly Hitler was shot by an SS officer as Nazi leader ordered his OWN execution, claim secret Soviet docs
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DECLASSIFIED Soviet Union documents claim that Adolf Hitler was shot dead by an SS officer after the Nazi leader ordered his own execution. Bombshell documents revealing details about the Führer's death have been released by the Russian FSB 80 years after Berlin fell. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 New details about Hitler's suicide have been unearthed in the documents Credit: Getty 9 The documents claim SS-Sturmbannführer Heinz Linge shot Hitler dead Credit: East2West 9 A picture from inside Hitler's bunker Credit: Time & Life Pictures 9 Hitler's teeth - showing evidence of his cyanide dose - were part of the released stash Credit: East2West 9 Most experts believe that Hitler shot himself in the temple after swallowing cyanide. However, statements and testimonies released from Russian secret service vaults highlight an extraordinary account that Hitler was instead shot dead in his bunker by his valet. The documents appear to confirm that Police Lieutenant-General Hans Rattenhuber testified that senior valet Heinz Linge fired a shot into the German leader's head. Linge was reportedly the first to enter the room after Hitler's suicide, and helped carry and burn the corpse with Günsche and others. Rattenhuber - head of the führer's personal security - told the Soviet officials: "Doubting the effect of the poison due to the numerous injections which for a long time had been administered to him daily, Hitler ordered Linge to shoot him after he took the poison. Linge shot Hitler.' Rattenhuber's testimony made several rounds in the West during the Cold War era, but was suspected of being Soviet misinformation. And it was completely contradicted by Linge's own testimony to the Soviets, which speaks definitely of Hitler's 'suicide'. Linge revealed a 'deluded' Hitler killed himself partly because he was 'afraid' of being 'caught while trying to escape from Berlin'. He fell into Soviet hands after the war, and his testimony was crucial to Stalin understanding Hitler final days as his Nazi regime collapsed. Meanwhile, the declassified documents also include pictures of Hitler's rotted teeth - showing evidence of his cyanide suicide - and the last known photograph of him. Map shows how UK would look if Hitler executed plot to invade Britain 83yrs ago with new capital & fuhrer's holiday home A Russian archivist appeared on video going over Linge's account, which even details the clothes Hitler and Eva Braun wore when they killed themselves. He said: 'Testimony about Hitler's reasons for taking his own life - he believed it was utterly pointless to continue the fight. 'He was afraid of being caught while trying to escape from Berlin. 'There was also his severe physical condition, which was beyond doubt, as well as his delusions of grandeur, which would not allow him to bow to the victor or enter into negotiations with him.' Morbid footage also showed Hitler's teeth, which were used to identify him. Intriguing new details, including how the Soviets pressured Otto Günsche - Hitler's personal assistant - into opening up about Hitler's death were also recalled After the war, Günsche was flown to Moscow with other Hitler associates. The documents show that a German POW and war criminal, Colonel Remlinger was put in a cell with him and instructed by the Soviet authorities to convince him to cooperate. 9 Declassified documents reveal new deailsa about Hitler's death Credit: FSB Russia/e2w 9 A written statement from Heinz Linge Credit: FSB Russia/e2w 9 The last known photograph of Hitler, taken shortly before his death in April 1945 Credit: East2West 9 German Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler with his mistress Eva Braun at Hitler's Berchtesgaden retreat Credit: Hulton Archive - Getty It was a cunning way of using Hitler's suicide to turn the Nazi's fanatical loyalty into cooperation by reinterpreting his 'oath'. Remlinger wrote a report that 'we convinced him that the events in Germany—especially Hitler's suicide—freed him from his oath to the Führer. 'Now, with the complete collapse of Germany and the Nazi system, there was no longer any reason to hide the events that unfolded in the Führer's headquarters from the Russians—it was now only of historical interest. 'It became easier to persuade him when it emerged that some of Hitler's close associates (Göring, Himmler) had abandoned him and turned to the Western powers.' More documents reveal the examination of Hitler's teeth to verify his corpse. The FSB account reads: 'On 5 May 1945, in the garden of the Reich Chancellery, SMERSH officers from the 79th Rifle Corps of the 3rd Shock Army, 1st Belorussian Front, discovered the heavily charred corpses of a man and a woman in a bomb crater." 'The bodies lay about 3 metres from the entrance to the bunker and were covered with soil. 'By 8 May 1945, a forensic report on the man's corpse—presumably Hitler—was completed.' How Brit and US spies hunted Hitler for TEN YEARS after WW2 By Henry Holloway, Deputy Foreign Editor DECLASSIFIED documents show how the UK and US hunted for Adolf Hitler for 10 years after the end of World War 2 as they feared he was still alive. Spy files held in the archives of the CIA and the FBI unearthed by The Sun Online show the stunning leads pursued with very real fear that Hitler escaped from his bunker in Berlin. Historians now know the maniacal Nazi boss died when he shot himself as the allies bore down on Berlin during the final days of World War 2 in 1945. But in the confusion as the map was carved up between the West and the Soviet Union - a massive probe by spooks from the US and UK was opened into the fate of Hitler. Secret documents reveal investigations into claims Hitler had a body double, U-boat sightings in Argentina, and claims that Adolf was photographed alive in Colombia. It is known some Nazis used hidden escape routes called "ratlines" to flee from Germany as the Third Reich collapsed, with some finding shelter in South America. Various tips and reports were filed back to intelligence agencies about possible sightings of Hitler- with many being passed to FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. The hunt lasted at least ten years, with documents being dated as late as 1955. The Sun Online can reveal some of the most stunning claims about the dictator from these fascinating formerly top secret files. Read more about it here
The Irish Sun
02-05-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Cowardly Hitler was shot by an SS officer as Nazi leader ordered his OWN execution, claim secret Soviet docs
DECLASSIFIED Soviet Union documents claim that Adolf Hitler was shot dead by an SS officer after the Nazi leader ordered his own execution. Bombshell Advertisement 9 New details about Hitler's suicide have been unearthed in the documents Credit: Getty 9 The documents claim SS-Sturmbannführer Heinz Linge shot Hitler dead Credit: East2West 9 A picture from inside Hitler's bunker Credit: Time & Life Pictures 9 Hitler's teeth - showing evidence of his cyanide dose - were part of the released stash Credit: East2West 9 Most experts believe that Hitler shot himself in the temple after swallowing cyanide. However, statements and testimonies released from Russian secret service vaults highlight an extraordinary account that Hitler was instead shot dead in his bunker by his valet. The documents appear to confirm that Police Lieutenant-General Hans Rattenhuber testified that senior valet Heinz Linge fired a shot into the German leader's head. Linge was reportedly the first to enter the room after Hitler's suicide, and helped carry and burn the corpse with Günsche and others. Advertisement red more on hitler Rattenhuber - head of the führer's personal security - told the Soviet officials: "Doubting the effect of the poison due to the numerous injections which for a long time had been administered to him daily, Hitler ordered Linge to shoot him after he took the poison. Linge shot Hitler.' Rattenhuber's testimony made several rounds in the West during the Cold War era, but was suspected of being Soviet misinformation. And it was completely contradicted by Linge's own testimony to the Soviets, which speaks definitely of Hitler's 'suicide'. Linge revealed a 'deluded' Hitler killed himself partly because he was 'afraid' of being 'caught while trying to escape from Berlin'. Advertisement Most read in The Sun He fell into Soviet hands after the war, and his testimony was crucial to Stalin understanding Hitler final days as his Nazi regime collapsed. Meanwhile, the Map shows how UK would look if Hitler executed plot to invade Britain 83yrs ago with new capital & fuhrer's holiday home A Russian archivist appeared on video going over Linge's account, which even details the clothes Hitler and Eva Braun wore when they killed themselves. He said: 'Testimony about Hitler's reasons for taking his own life - he believed it was utterly pointless to continue the fight. Advertisement 'He was afraid of being caught while trying to escape from Berlin. 'There was also his severe physical condition, which was beyond doubt, as well as his delusions of grandeur, which would not allow him to bow to the victor or enter into negotiations with him.' Morbid footage also showed Hitler's teeth, which were used to identify him. Intriguing new details, including how the Soviets pressured Otto Günsche - Hitler's personal assistant - into opening up about Hitler's death were also recalled Advertisement After the war, Günsche was flown to Moscow with other Hitler associates. The documents show that a German POW and war criminal, Colonel Remlinger was put in a cell with him and instructed by the Soviet authorities to convince him to cooperate. 9 Declassified documents reveal new deailsa about Hitler's death Credit: FSB Russia/e2w 9 A written statement from Heinz Linge Credit: FSB Russia/e2w Advertisement 9 The last known photograph of Hitler, taken shortly before his death in April 1945 Credit: East2West 9 German Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler with his mistress Eva Braun at Hitler's Berchtesgaden retreat Credit: Hulton Archive - Getty It was a cunning way of using Hitler's suicide to turn the Nazi's fanatical loyalty into cooperation by reinterpreting his 'oath'. Remlinger wrote a report that 'we convinced him that the events in Germany—especially Hitler's suicide—freed him from his oath to the Führer. Advertisement 'Now, with the complete collapse of Germany and the Nazi system, there was no longer any reason to hide the events that unfolded in the Führer's headquarters from the Russians—it was now only of historical interest. 'It became easier to persuade him when it emerged that some of Hitler's close associates (Göring, Himmler) had abandoned him and turned to the Western powers.' More documents reveal the examination of Hitler's teeth to verify his corpse. The FSB account reads: 'On 5 May 1945, in the garden of the Reich Chancellery, SMERSH officers from the 79th Rifle Corps of the 3rd Shock Army, 1st Belorussian Front, discovered the heavily charred corpses of a man and a woman in a bomb crater." Advertisement 'The bodies lay about 3 metres from the entrance to the bunker and were covered with soil. 'By 8 May 1945, a forensic report on the man's corpse—presumably Hitler—was completed.' How Brit and US spies hunted Hitler for TEN YEARS after WW2 By Henry Holloway, Deputy Foreign Editor DECLASSIFIED documents show how the UK and US hunted for Adolf Hitler for 10 years after the end of World War 2 as they feared he was still alive. Spy files held in the archives of the CIA and the FBI unearthed by The Sun Online show the stunning leads pursued with very real fear that Historians now know the maniacal Nazi boss died when he shot himself as the allies bore down on Berlin during the final days of World War 2 in 1945. But in the confusion as the map was carved up between the West and the Soviet Union - a massive probe by spooks from the US and UK was opened into the fate of Hitler. Secret documents reveal investigations into claims Hitler had a body double, U-boat sightings in Argentina, and claims that Adolf was photographed alive in Colombia. It is known some Nazis used hidden escape routes called "ratlines" to flee from Germany as the Third Reich collapsed, with some finding shelter in South America. Various tips and reports were filed back to intelligence agencies about possible sightings of Hitler- with many being passed to FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. The hunt lasted at least ten years, with documents being dated as late as 1955. The Sun Online can reveal some of the most stunning claims about the dictator from these fascinating formerly top secret files. Read more about it
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Bombshell Hitler files reveal aide's astonishing account of Nazi chief's suicide 80 years on - as charred teeth are seen up close
An astonishing cache of documents relating to Hitler's death 80 years ago has been released by Russia 's FSB security service. The stash includes the declassified originals of statements and interrogation notes of the führer's valet, SS-Sturmbannführer Heinz Linge, and personal adjutant SS-Sturmbannführer Otto Günsche. Linge revealed a 'deluded' Hitler killed himself - on April 30, 1945 - in part because he was 'afraid' of being 'caught while trying to escape from Berlin '. Both Hitler's aides-de-camp fell into Soviet hands after the war, and their testimony was crucial to understanding Hitler's fate. Linge was allegedly the first to enter the room in the Berlin 'Führerbunker' after Hitler's suicide, and helped carry and burn the corpse with Günsche and others. While the broad testimony of the pair has been long known, it is the first time the original sources - long hidden in Soviet KGB archives - have been published, and there are new details. Neither man was interviewed by British historian Hugh Trevor-Roper when he led the UK's inquiry into Hitler's death while working as an intelligence officer. Trevor-Roper's report - detailed in his book the The Last Days of Adolf Hitler - used the accounts of several occupants of Hitler's Berlin bunker to convincingly establish that he took his own life alongside his partner turned wife of one day, Eva Braun. Trevor-Roper detailed how he 'sought and failed to find' Linge and Günsche and the Russians 'declined to answer' his questions about their whereabouts. The remains of Hitler and Braun were hastily buried after being burned, before Russian troops dug them up. In the newly-released cache, a Russian archivist is seen on video discussing Linge's account, which even details the clothing Hitler and Eva Braun wore when they took their own lives. 'Testimony about Hitler's reasons for taking his own life - he believed it was utterly pointless to continue the fight,' they said. 'He was afraid of being caught while trying to escape from Berlin. 'There was also his severe physical condition, which was beyond doubt, as well as his delusions of grandeur, which would not allow him to bow to the victor or enter into negotiations with him.' Macabre footage also showed Hitler's teeth, pictures of which have been released before. They were used to identify him after they were compared with his dental records. Russian defence ministry channel Zvezda TV reported: 'Here they are, particles of universal evil. 'Fragments of Adolf Hitler's jaw, a man whose very name makes even water molecules take on hideous forms. 'The remains of the one responsible for the deaths of over 26 million of our fellow citizens. 'Today [30 April] marks exactly 80 years since the death of the main culprit of the bloodiest war in human history. 'A strange feeling.' Linge wrote in his testimony: 'At the moment of suicide, Hitler was dressed in a white shirt with a white turn-down collar and a black vest, a grey double-breasted uniform jacket made of fine gabardine, long black trousers of fine gabardine, thin black paper socks, and black leather half-boots. 'His wife was dressed in a fine silk dress, very thin silk stockings, and shoes with wedge heels (possibly of Italian make). 'Three canisters of petrol, prepared by Reichsleiter Martin Bormann for the cremation of the bodies of Hitler and his wife, were standing on the last landing leading from the bomb shelter into the garden of the Reich Chancellery. 'All the contents of the canisters were poured over the bodies of Hitler and his wife. Bormann pointed out the canisters to us and went down himself to get his own. 'This was around 4 p.m., and it was still light. 'A total of 60 litres of petrol was poured. 'Before spreading the blanket on the floor, I placed Hitler's pistols (calibres 7.65 and 6.35) on the writing desk. Who took them from there, I do not know. 'Possibly it was Reichsleiter Martin Bormann, or the soldiers who carried out Eva Braun's body, or Hitler's valet Helm Krüger, or the orderly Willy Stiewitz. 'When saying goodbye to Hitler on 30 April 1945, I asked: "Führer, whom should we try to break through to in the West?" 'And I received the answer: "For the sake of the one who is still to come".' Linge also answered a question that worried the Soviet leadership after they stormed Berlin - whether it was a double who had died in the bunker, and the real Hitler had escaped. A note translated into Russian says: 'A double of Hitler could not have committed suicide because: 1) Hitler did not have a double 2) It was impossible to leave the premises without being seen, as there was only one exit from the room 30.12.45 Linge Heinz.' Over many months, Linge changed some testimony, telling the Russians: 'I must admit that my earlier testimony was incorrect. 'I did not hear any gunshot sounds but only noticed the smell of gunpowder and, based on that, informed Bormann that the suicide had occurred.... 'I previously stated incorrectly that Eva Braun's body was wrapped in a blanket. I now recall that it was not.' The historic documents were kept out of the public domain for decades by the FSB - successor to the KGB - in a vault in the Ivanovo region. Günsche was flown to Moscow with other Hitler associates. Intriguing new details in the accounts include the psychological pressure the Soviets put on Günsche to make him open up about Hitler's death. They used a German POW and war criminal, Colonel Remlinger, who shared a cell with him and was deployed by the Soviet authorities to convince him to cooperate. It was a successful means of turning the Nazi's fanatical loyalty into cooperation by reinterpreting his 'oath' in the context of Hitler's suicide and abandonment by other Nazi leaders. Remlinger wrote a report that 'we convinced him that the events in Germany -especially Hitler's suicide - freed him from his oath to the Führer. 'Now, with the complete collapse of Germany and the Nazi system, there was no longer any reason to hide the events that unfolded in the Führer's headquarters from the Russians-it was now only of historical interest. 'It became easier to persuade him when it emerged that some of Hitler's close associates (Göring, Himmler) had abandoned him and turned to the Western powers.' More documents detail the examination of Hitler's teeth to verify the corpse was his. 'On 5 May 1945, in the garden of the Reich Chancellery, SMERSH officers from the 79th Rifle Corps of the 3rd Shock Army, 1st Belorussian Front, discovered the heavily charred corpses of a man and a woman in a bomb crater,' says the FSB account. 'The bodies lay about 3 metres from the entrance to the bunker and were covered with soil. 'By 8 May 1945, a forensic report on the man's corpse-presumably Hitler-was completed.' This showed 'the presence in the mouth cavity of crushed glass ampoule fragments...a distinct bitter almond smell ... and results from chemical testing of internal organs showing cyanide compounds'. This allowed the commission 'to conclude that death resulted from cyanide poisoning'. 'On 10 May 1945, Kӓthe Heusermann, assistant to Hitler's personal dentist Professor Hugo Blaschke, was questioned in the Reich Chancellery's dental office. 'On 11 May, dental technician Fritz Echtmann, who had made Hitler's dentures, gave testimony. 'Both witnesses gave detailed descriptions of Hitler's dental work from memory. 'The unique features of the bridges, crowns, and fillings matched exactly with the dental records and X-rays in the possession of SMERSH investigators.
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Russia reveals bombshell Hitler files including 'body double' theory and final words
New files released by Russian intelligence reveal what Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun were wearing when they were found dead - and contain key testimony from the Nazi leader's aides Russian intelligence has unveiled a bombshell set of files on Adolf Hitler - including the Nazi leader's final words to a close aide. The astonishing cache of documents relating to Hitler's death 80 years ago today were released by the FSB security service in Moscow, and shine light on the dark final days inside the doomed dictator's bunker. The files include declassified original copies of statements and interrogation notes obtained from his valet, SS-Sturmbannführer Heinz Linge and military officer SS-Sturmbannführer Otto Günsche. Linge revealed a 'deluded' Hitler killed himself in part because he was 'afraid' of being 'caught while trying to escape from Berlin' - and described what he was wearing at the time of his death. Testimony that proved crucial in understanding Hitler's final days Both of Hitler's aides were captured by the Soviets after the war, and their testimony was crucial to Stalin's understanding Hitler's fate as his Nazi regime collapsed. Linge was reportedly the first to enter the room after Hitler's suicide, and helped carry and burn the corpse with Günsche and others. Though it has long been known that the pair gave testimony, this is the first time the original documents - hidden away for decades in Soviet KGB archives - have been published, revealing previously unheard details. One Russian archivist is seen on video discussing Linge's account, which even details the clothing Hitler and Eva Braun wore when they took their own lives. He explains that the testimony includes "Hitler's reasons for taking his own life", including that "he believed it was utterly pointless to continue the fight. 'He was afraid of being caught while trying to escape from Berlin. 'There was also his severe physical condition, which was beyond doubt, as well as his delusions of grandeur, which would not allow him to bow to the victor or enter into negotiations with him.' Hitler's teeth seen on video Macabre footage also shows Hitler's teeth, which were used by the Soviets used to identify him. A KGB account details how the set of teeth were found "on the heavily charred corpses of a man and a woman", implied to be Hitler and wife Eva Braun, 'in a bomb crater.' It goes on: 'The bodies lay about 3 metres from the entrance to the bunker and were covered with soil. 'By 8 May 1945, a forensic report on the man's corpse—presumably Hitler—was completed.' This report showed 'the presence in the mouth cavity of crushed glass ampoule fragments…a distinct bitter almond smell … and results from chemical testing of internal organs showing cyanide compounds'. A commission concluded that Hitler's death 'resulted from cyanide poisoning'. What Hitler and Eva Braun were wearing when they took their own lives Detailing what the Nazi leader wore as he took his own life in the Führerbunker, Linge wrote: 'At the moment of suicide, Hitler was dressed in a white shirt with a white turn-down collar and a black vest, a grey double-breasted uniform jacket made of fine gabardine, long black trousers of fine gabardine, thin black paper socks, and black leather half-boots. 'His wife was dressed in a fine silk dress, very thin silk stockings, and shoes with wedge heels (possibly of Italian make). 'Three canisters of petrol, prepared by Reichsleiter Martin Bormann for the cremation of the bodies of Hitler and his wife, were standing on the last landing leading from the bomb shelter into the garden of the Reich Chancellery. 'All the contents of the canisters were poured over the bodies of Hitler and his wife. Bormann pointed out the canisters to us and went down himself to get his own. 'This was around 4 p.m., and it was still light. "A total of 60 litres of petrol was poured. 'Before spreading the blanket on the floor, I placed Hitler's pistols (calibres 7.65 and 6.35) on the writing desk. Who took them from there, I do not know. 'Possibly it was Reichsleiter Martin Bormann, or the soldiers who carried out Eva Braun's body, or Hitler's valet Helm Krüger, or the orderly Willy Stiewitz. 'When saying goodbye to Hitler on 30 April 1945, I asked: 'Führer, whom should we try to break through to in the West?' 'And I received the answer: 'For the sake of the one who is still to come'.' Hitler's body 'not a double' Linge also answered a question that worried the Soviet leadership after they stormed Berlin - whether it was a double who had died in the bunker, and the real Hitler had escaped. A note translated into Russian and signed by Linge said a double of Hitler "could not have committed suicide" because "Hitler did not have a double" and it "was impossible to leave the premises without being seen, as there was only one exit from the room." Over many months, Linge changed some testimony, telling the Russians: 'I must admit that my earlier testimony was incorrect. 'I did not hear any gunshot sounds but only noticed the smell of gunpowder and, based on that, informed Bormann that the suicide had occurred…. 'I previously stated incorrectly that Eva Braun's body was wrapped in a blanket. I now recall that it was not.' Soviet interrogation tactics revealed The historic documents were kept in a KGB vault in obscue Ivanovo region, which later transferred to its post-USSR successor, the FSB. They also detail the psychological pressure put on Günsche by Soviet interrogators after he was flown to Moscow with close aides of Adolf Hitler . This included making him share a cell with Nazi war criminal Colonel Remlinger, who was purposefully deployed by the Soviet authorities to convince him to cooperate. It proved successful in convincing to reinterpret his 'oath' in the context of Hitler's suicide, and highlighted his abandonment by other Nazi leaders.
