1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Valiant Battles in World War I
3. Formation of the Freikorps
4. Political Activism
5. Rise in the SA
6. "Night of the Long Knives"

Early Life and Military Career

Hailing from Nobility

Ernst Rohm, born in Munich on November 28, 1887, came from a distinguished aristocratic family of landowners. After graduating from the Cadet Corps in Kolin, he enrolled at the War School in Gross-Lichterfelde, Berlin. He subsequently enlisted as a lieutenant in the 6th Jäger Battalion.

Valiant Battles in World War I

In 1914, Rohm joined the trenches of World War I on the Western Front. During the conflict, he sustained a severe injury that resulted in the amputation of his arm. Despite this setback, he continued to fight bravely, commanding a company and later a Jäger battalion. For his valor, he received the Iron Cross, both First and Second Class.

Formation of the Freikorps

Suppression of Polish Insurgency

Following the end of World War I, Rohm established a Freikorps (volunteer corps) in Silesia to combat revolutionary and Polish nationalist movements. Known as the "Freikorps Hedebreck," it played a significant role in suppressing Polish uprisings in Upper Silesia, coordinated with both "Black Reichswehr" (clandestine army units) and the Freikorps under Hermann Göring.

Political Activism

Nazi Involvement and Reichstag Membership

In 1925, Rohm joined the Nazi Party's paramilitary organization, the Sturmabteilung (SA). As Gauleiter (regional leader) of Upper Silesia, he founded the first SA detachments in the region, primarily composed of former members of his Freikorps. In 1924, he entered the Reichstag as a member of the German National Freedom Party, where he sat alongside prominent Nazi figures like Erich Ludendorff and Ernst Röhm.

Rise in the SA

Loyal Lieutenant to Ernst Röhm

Rohm rose rapidly through the ranks of the SA, becoming a Gruppenführer (Brigadier General) in 1933. As a fervent supporter of SA chief Ernst Röhm, he commanded the SA group in Pomerania and was elected to the Reichstag from Stettin. His influence among Silesian Nazis led to the naming of the Upper Silesian municipality of Kandrzin after him in 1934.

"Night of the Long Knives"

Betrayal and Execution

During the infamous "Night of the Long Knives" in 1934, Rohm was among the SA leaders targeted for elimination by Adolf Hitler. Despite pledging loyalty to Röhm, he was arrested, imprisoned in Munich's Stadelheim prison, and executed by SS guards on June 30, 1934.

Commander