LA MORT DE HITLER – “The Death of Hitler” – issue of the French newspaper L’Aube, announcing the death of Adolf Hitler, the fall of Berlin, and the collapse of Nazi Germany. May 3, 1945 (three days after Hitler’s death by suicide). The issue contains no indication that Adolf Hitler in fact died by suicide.
The main headline of the issue and its subheadings report the death of Hitler, the fall of Berlin, and the surrender of the Germans in Italy. The newspaper states that “the Führer died of a cerebral hemorrhage, ” at a time when the actual cause of death – suicide, had not yet been disclosed. According to the report, General Schillenburg, who was said to have been present at a meeting between Hitler and the Red Cross, claimed that Hitler suffered a cerebral hemorrhage (a false report that was accepted at the time). It is further stated that the leadership of Nazi Germany passed to General Dönitz, whom Hitler had appointed as his successor on April 30. It is further written that it is to be regretted that the Führer did not die before a firing squad, but no humiliation or torture could have made these monsters pay for the evil they inflicted upon humanity.
Hitler’s death is described as “the tragic end of a morbid legend”, and the paper notes the collapse of the German people’s belief in their “divine leader.” The issue also details the fierce fighting, the total collapse of the Nazi defense, and the capture of Berlin by the Soviet Red Army. It further reports on British General Montgomery’s successes in cutting off German forces in northern Europe, taking the city of Lübeck, and securing territory in Germany and Belgium—signaling Germany’s defeat on all fronts. Within less than a week from the date of this issue, the official German surrender would take place (May 8, 1945). Also included is a statement by U.S. President Harry Truman:“Only madness could still delay Germany’s surrender.”
2 pages. Complete issue. 60 cm. Fold marks. Good condition.
