Joseph Berchtold German statesman and politician during the Third Reich. Date of Birth: 06.03.1897 Country: Germany

Biography of Joseph Berchtold

Joseph Berchtold was a German state and political figure during the time of the Third Reich. He was born on March 6, 1897, in Ingolstadt, Bavaria. From 1903 to 1915, he attended school and studied at a real gymnasium in Munich. As he completed his education, the First World War was raging, and Joseph, who had reached the age of majority, was conscripted into the army in the spring of 1915 and fought on the frontlines until the end of the war.

Returning home as a reserve lieutenant, Berchtold enrolled at the Munich University of Economics and later worked as a journalist for the 'Fälkischer Beobachter.' He even opened his own shop selling cigars and stationery on one of Munich's streets. In February 1920, he joined the ranks of the Nazi Party (member number 750). Those who knew Berchtold describe him as short, but compensating for his lack of height with strong fists.

In 1923, Adolf Hitler appointed him the leader of the "Staff Guard" for his security and supporters, which was later renamed the "Adolf Hitler Assault Division" in August of the same year, becoming the first SS unit. His main principle was the postulate that "the strong are always right," and members of the unit were required to maintain unwavering loyalty to Hitler.

In November 1923, after the unsuccessful Beer Hall Putsch, in which he participated, Berchtold fled to Austria and was sentenced in absentia by the Munich court six months later for his involvement in the coup. He only returned to Germany in 1926 and assumed leadership of the Storm Detachment (SA). Concurrently, starting from November 1, Berchtold held the rank of Reichsführer SS.

However, in 1927, he resigned, expressing his disagreement with the development of the SA and SS, and in 1928, he was transferred to Munich to serve in the headquarters of the Supreme Leadership (OSAF), where he remained until the end of 1945. Throughout these years, Joseph did not forget his journalistic activities. While serving in the headquarters, he founded the magazine 'Der SA-Mann', worked as the chief editor of a local newspaper, and also wrote various National Socialist publications.

Joseph Berchtold passed away on August 23, 1962, in Herrsching am Ammersee.