Werner Blankenburg German official, head of Section IIa in the Führer's Chancellery Date of Birth: 19.06.1905 Country: Germany

1. Werner Blankenburg: Notorious Nazi Figure
2. Early Life and Political Involvement
3. The Aktion T4 Program
4. Implementation and Secrecy
5. Expansion and Termination
6. Post-War Life and Escape
7. Death and Legacy

Werner Blankenburg: Notorious Nazi Figure

Werner Blankenburg was a prominent figure in Nazi Germany and played a pivotal role in the infamous Aktion T4 program.

Early Life and Political Involvement

Blankenburg was born in Caputh, Brandenburg, in 1893. He joined the Nazi Party and the Sturmabteilung (SA) in 1929. By 1938, he had risen to the rank of Oberreichsleiter of Section IIa of the Führer's Chancellery, effectively serving as deputy to Viktor Brack, the program's overall leader.

The Aktion T4 Program

In 1939, planning began for Aktion T4, a program of mass murder targeting individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Blankenburg was instrumental in securing Hitler's approval for the euthanasia program in October 1939.

Implementation and Secrecy

Blankenburg became heavily involved in the program's execution, overseeing the recruitment of personnel and equipment. To maintain secrecy, the program was carried out through a network of shell companies, including the "Reichsarbeitsgemeinschaft Heil- und Pflegeanstalten." Blankenburg himself operated under the pseudonym "Brenner."

Expansion and Termination

The program initially targeted adults with disabilities, but it was later expanded to include infants and children. By August 1941, the first phase of the program was complete. In 1942, the program was officially terminated due to public outcry.

Post-War Life and Escape

After the war, Blankenburg assumed the alias "Werner Bieleke" and worked as a bank clerk in Ludwigsburg. He managed to avoid detection despite being listed as a wanted war criminal.

Death and Legacy

Blankenburg died in Stuttgart-Wangen in 1950 under the name Bieleke. His Nazi colleagues attended his funeral, including Erwin Lambert and August Dietrich Allers. Blankenburg's remains were interred under the Bieleke name, as he had been officially pronounced dead on December 31, 1945.