Gunter D'Alquen

Gunter D'Alquen

Nazi journalist
Date of Birth: 24.10.1910
Country: Germany

Content:
  1. Biography of Günter d'Alquen
  2. Journalistic Career
  3. War Reporter and Propagandist
  4. Post-War Convictions

Biography of Günter d'Alquen

Günter d'Alquen, a Nazi journalist and commander of the SS-Standard 'Kurt Eggers', was born in Essen, Germany, to a Catholic merchant and reserve officer. After finishing school, he joined the Hitler Youth in 1925 and became a member of the Nazi Party at the age of 17. He joined the SA (Brownshirts) and served as a youth leader for the party from 1927 to 1931. In 1931, d'Alquen joined the ranks of the SS and quickly rose to the rank of Hauptsturmführer. Despite not completing his university education, he focused on his career as a journalist.

Gunter D'Alquen

Journalistic Career

In 1932, d'Alquen joined the editorial staff of the German newspaper 'Völkischer Beobachter' as a political correspondent. His work caught the attention of Heinrich Himmler, who appointed him as the editor of the official SS newspaper 'Das Schwarze Korps' in March 1935. As an advocate for revolutionary Nazism and the main representative of the SS in the German press, d'Alquen often targeted intellectuals, students, prominent scientists, church officials, and factions that displeased Himmler. In addition to promoting anti-Semitism, the newspaper positioned itself as the defender of German morality and focused on the victories of the German army during World War II.

War Reporter and Propagandist

After September 1939, d'Alquen became a war reporter for the SS and towards the end of the war, Himmler appointed him as the head of the propaganda department of the Wehrmacht. Among his numerous publications, d'Alquen authored the famous 'History of the SS'. However, his involvement in Nazi propaganda and incitement to violence against Jews, as well as his encouragement of rebellions against churches and foreign countries, led to his conviction and punishment after the war.

Post-War Convictions

In July 1955, d'Alquen was fined 60,000 German marks and stripped of all civil rights for three years by the Berlin Denazification Court. He was also denied any government benefits or pension. He was found guilty of playing a significant role in the establishment of the Third Reich, engaging in military propaganda, inciting murder against Jews, and promoting anti-Semitism. He glorified the SS and Hitler's infallibility, despised democracy, and encouraged hatred towards Jews. In January 1958, he was fined an additional 28,000 marks and prohibited from publishing his articles in any publications. Until his death, he denied any knowledge of the Nazi's plans for the extermination of Jews.

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