Erhard Milch in the Nuremberg Trials (1945)

The Nuremberg trial of German Luftwaffe Generalfeldmarschall Erhard Milch in 1945. Milch (30 March 1892 – 25 January 1972) served as State Secretary in the Reichsluftfahrtministerium from 1933 to 1944 and Inspector General of the Luftwaffe from 1939 to 1945, playing a central role in the rearmament and wartime expansion of German air power through mass production of aircraft such as the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and oversight of the Jägerstab (Fighter Staff) initiative launched in March 1944 alongside Albert Speer to dramatically increase fighter output amid mounting Allied bombing. Captured by British forces on 4 May 1945 near the Baltic coast, Milch was indicted on 14 November 1946 and tried before United States Military Tribunal II in the Milch Trial (officially United States of America v. Erhard Milch), the second of the twelve Subsequent Nuremberg Trials held at the Palace of Justice in Nuremberg from 2 January to 17 April 1947. The three-count indictment charged him with war crimes for participating in the planning and execution of the ill-treatment, enslavement, and use of forced labor involving prisoners of war and deported foreign civilians to support Luftwaffe production (often sourced from concentration camps via SS cooperation under inhumane conditions); with crimes against humanity encompassing similar acts against civilians and German nationals; and specifically with involvement in fatal high-altitude and freezing medical experiments on unwilling subjects (Count II). Defended by his brother Werner Milch and other counsel, with the prosecution presenting 34 witnesses and 212 exhibits over 39 trial days, Milch was acquitted on the medical experiments charge but found guilty on the war crimes and crimes against humanity counts related to slave labor exploitation; he was sentenced to life imprisonment on 17 April 1947 and initially held at Rebdorf Prison near Munich (later transferred to Landsberg). In 1951 U.S. High Commissioner John J. McCloy commuted the sentence to fifteen years, leading to Milch’s parole in June 1954; he lived out his remaining years quietly in Düsseldorf as the last surviving Generalfeldmarschall of the Luftwaffe, having been central to the Nazi regime’s aircraft production efforts that relied heavily on the systematic exploitation of forced labor.

Source :
https://pixpast.wordpress.com/?query-10-page=3&cst&str=428&id_parent=7898&items=12&vd=downloaded&category=7902&flow=1

Alfred Jodl in the Nuremberg Trials (1946)

Generaloberst Alfred Jodl, former Chief of the Operations Staff of the Armed Forces High Command, at the Nuremberg Trials in 1946. Jodl was arrested by British forces on 23 May 1945 along with the remnants of the Flensburg Government, he was transferred to Nuremberg and became one of the 24 major defendants tried before the International Military Tribunal (IMT) starting in November 1945, facing charges of conspiracy to commit crimes against peace, planning, initiating, and waging wars of aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The prosecution's case against him centered heavily on his personal responsibility for issuing or transmitting directives such as the Commando Order, which mandated the summary execution of captured Allied commandos, and the Commissar Order, which called for the shooting of Soviet political commissars, alongside his central role in planning aggressive campaigns including the invasions of Poland, France, the Soviet Union, and Yugoslavia, as well as reprisals and scorched-earth policies in occupied territories. During the trial, Jodl mounted a vigorous defense, testifying at length about his duties, claiming he had often acted as a professional soldier merely following superior orders while sometimes attempting to moderate Hitler's more extreme demands, and asserting his personal opposition to certain violations of international law, yet the tribunal rejected these arguments, emphasizing his high-level involvement and knowledge in the criminal enterprise. On 1 October 1946, Jodl was convicted on all four counts and sentenced to death by hanging; he was executed on the morning of 16 October 1946 at Nuremberg Prison, where, showing visible nervousness as he ascended the gallows in his Wehrmacht uniform, he uttered his final words, "My greetings to you, my Germany," before his body was cremated and ashes scattered. His conviction and execution remain subjects of historical debate, particularly regarding the application of superior orders as a defense and the tribunal's judgment of military leaders for state-directed policies.

Source :
https://pixpast.wordpress.com/?query-10-page=3&cst&str=428&id_parent=7898&items=12&vd=downloaded&category=7902&flow=1

Jochen Peiper Interview at Malmedy War Crimes Trials

MALMEDY WAR CRIMES TRIALS, DACHAU, GERMANY(MUNICH 250), 20 June 1946.

Malmedy War Crimes Trials, Dachau, Germany, June 20, 1946. Former German Colonel Joachim Peiper (#42) reading notes on witness stand about his treatment while being held as a prisoner by the Poles. CU, Peiper reading notes. MS, two German attorneys for the defense whispering to each other during trial. (Part of film showing Peiper testifying is out of focus.) MS, Lt. Col. Dwinell, counselor for the defense, as he conducts a cross-examination of Peiper (latter not in scene). MS, Peiper, back to camera, pointing to area on map which he covered during his encounter with US troops in Buelliagen, Belgium.

Source :
https://www.oorlogsbronnen.nl/bron/https%3A%2F%2Fportal.ehri-project.eu%2Funits%2Fus-005578-irn1001445
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-fphwzQ4AE

Hasso von Manteuffel during His Trial in Düsseldorf

Hasso von Manteufel, former commander of the 7th German Panzer Division, sits at the defendant's bench in Düsseldorf, Germany, on the opening of his trial for manslaughter before a Düsseldorf Court, 17 August 1959. Manteufel is accused of having ordered the shooting of a German soldier on 13 January 1944. although a military court had, on previous day, sentenced the soldier to a two-year jail term for dereliction of duty in the field. Manteuffel, as commandant, had the power to review the court's decision, and ordered a fatal punishment.

Original caption from Associated Press: "Today's picture by wire from Dusseldorf. Hasso von Manteuffel on trial. Hasso von Manteuffel, a renowned tank commander in the German armies of the Second World War, sits in court in Dusseldorf, Germany, today August 17, as his trial opened on a charge of manslaughter. He is charged with the illegal execution of a German soldier in 1944. The soldier had been sentenced to two years imprisonment for refusing duty. Manteuffel had him shot for cowardice in the face of the enemy. Manteuffel is 62."

Source :
https://dutchmilitaria.com/product/pressphoto-nuremberg-trials-hasso-von-manteuffel-on-trial/
https://imsvintagephotos.com/products/hasso-von-manteufel-vintage-photograph-2151397

Hasso von Manteuffel Investigated for War Crime

This picture was taken on 6 February 1968 and it shows Hasso von Manteuffel before the HS-30 investigative committee in the Bonn Federal Palace. He was one of the most decorated generals of World War II. From 1953 to 1957 he was a member of the FDP in the German Bundestag. A Düsseldorf court sentenced him to 18 months in prison in August 1959 because he had a soldier shot on March 1, 1944. He was pardoned after four months in prison and then retired to private life. Hasso von Manteuffel was born on January 14, 1897 in Potsdam and died on September 24, 1978 in Reith (Austria). Photographer: Egon Steiner.

Source :
https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/hasso-von-manteuffel-am-vor-dem-hs-30-news-photo/1213288798

The Trial of Ferdinand Schörner

On 1 October 1957 the trial against ex German field marshal Ferdinand Schörner began in a Münich court. The 65 year old was defended by three attorneys and was accused of one account of manslaughter and two more accounts of attempted manslaughter. This picture shows the first day of the trial on homicide, 1 October, with lawyer Dr.jur. Gustav Brugger (right).

With the war over, Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner handed himself in to the Americans on 18 May 1945, who a few weeks later passed him over to the Soviet authorities as a prisoner of war. In August 1951 he was charged with war crimes, and in February 1952 the Military Board of the Soviet Supreme Court sentenced him to 25 years imprisonment. A decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet in April 1952 reduced this sentence to 12 and a half years. A decree[by whom?] of December 1954 allowed him to be handed over to authorities of East Germany, and he was released in 1955. Returning to West Germany, he was arrested and charged with executions of German Army soldiers accused of desertion. Schörner was found guilty of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter and sentenced to four and a half years in prison. He was released on 4 August 1960 and lived in obscurity in Munich until his death in 1973. At the time of his death, he was the last surviving field marshal of the Third Reich. In the late 1960s, he gave a lengthy interview to Italian historian Mario Silvestri on his role and actions during the Austro-German victory at the Battle of Caporetto in World War I, but rarely spoke about his World War II service.

Ex-Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner (center) with his children Anneliese (left) and Peter (far right) during beginning of the trial on homicide in Münich, West Germany, 1 October 1957.



On 1 October 1957 the trial against ex-Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner began in a Münich court. The 65 year old was defended by three attorneys and was accused of one account of manslaughter and two more accounts of attempted manslaughter.



On 1 October 1957 the trial against ex-Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner began in a Münich court. The 65 year old was defended by three attorneys and was accused of one account of manslaughter and two more accounts of attempted manslaughter.



On 1 October 1957 the trial against the former Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner began at Münich's court. The 65 year old was defended by three attorneys and is accused of manslaughter in one account and attempted manslaughter in two others. Pictured is district court council Dr. Bartsch (right) in conversation with the defendant.



On 1 October 1957 the trial against Schörner began in a Münich court. The 65 year old was defended by three attorneys and was accused of one account of manslaughter and two more accounts of attempted manslaughter. Pictured: The ex-field marshal shows the last few places he was in the war.

On 1 October 1957 the trial against ex German field marshal Ferdinand Schörner began in a Münich court. The 65 year old was defended by three attorneys and was accused of one account of manslaughter and two more accounts of attempted manslaughter. This picture was taken on 4 October 1957 when Schörner enters the courtroom during his trial. He is charged with ordering the execution without court-martial of two Wehrmacht officers and an NCO during World War II.



10 October 1957 - 2nd day of the Schörner-process in Münich: These two former generals Sigfrid Henrici (right) and Friedrich Schulz (left) attended as witness during the trial, when they claimed to have tried to prevent the execution of two officers - Oberst Georg Sparre and Major Dr. Helmut Jüngling - on the order of Generalfeldmarschall Schörner.



Original caption: "Former Field Marshal Ferdinand Schoerner in the courtroom, 1957. After his return from Soviet captivity, the former Field Marshal (from 1945 briefly even Generalfeldmarschall) Ferdinand Schoerner had to answer in court for his actions against the end of the war. In the last days of the war Schoerner continued to shoot scattered soldiers and (alleged) deserters. He was later sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment and lost his pension entitlement, which at that time should have been financed by the Bundeswehr."



10 October 1957. Original caption: "Judgment in Schörner - Trial 4½ years prison was the sentence in the trial of former Field Marshall Ferdinand Schörner, which was passed today in Münich. Photo Shows Schörner after the judgment leaving the dock."

Ex-Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner (right) after the homicide trial in a Münich court, 11 October 1957. An admirer sent him new glasses.



Ex-Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner wearing his new glasses given by an admirer after the homicide trial in a Münich court, 11 October 1957. Original caption: "Former Field Marshal Ferdinand Schoerner in the courtroom, 1957. After his return from Soviet captivity, the former Field Marshal (from 1945 briefly even Generalfeldmarschall) Ferdinand Schoerner had to answer in court for his actions against the end of the war. In the last days of the war Schoerner continued to shoot scattered soldiers and (alleged) deserters. He was later sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment and lost his pension entitlement, which at that time should have been financed by the Bundeswehr."



Ex-Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner wearing his new glasses given by an admirer after the homicide trial in a Münich court, 11 October 1957. Original caption: "Former Field Marshal Ferdinand Schoerner in the courtroom, 1957. After his return from Soviet captivity, the former Field Marshal (from 1945 briefly even Generalfeldmarschall) Ferdinand Schoerner had to answer in court for his actions against the end of the war. In the last days of the war Schoerner continued to shoot scattered soldiers and (alleged) deserters. He was later sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment and lost his pension entitlement, which at that time should have been financed by the Bundeswehr. The picture shows him leaving the courtroom, behind him is his son."

Ex-Generalfeldmarschall Ferdinand Schörner wearing his new glasses given by an admirer after the homicide trial in a Münich court, 11 October 1957. Original caption: "Former Field Marshal Ferdinand Schoerner in the courtroom, 1957. After his return from Soviet captivity, the former Field Marshal (from 1945 briefly even Generalfeldmarschall) Ferdinand Schoerner had to answer in court for his actions against the end of the war. In the last days of the war Schoerner continued to shoot scattered soldiers and (alleged) deserters. He was later sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment and lost his pension entitlement, which at that time should have been financed by the Bundeswehr. The picture shows him leaving the courtroom after his conviction. Right next to him walks his defender Moser, left behind him his son."

Source :
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/sch%C3%B6rner.html?sortBy=relevant
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinand_Sch%C3%B6rner

Ferdinand Schörner during Trial in Münich

On 1 October 1957 the trial against ex German field marshal Ferdinand Schörner began in a Münich court. The 65 year old was defended by three attorneys and was accused of one account of manslaughter and two more accounts of attempted manslaughter. This picture was taken on 4 October 1957 when Schörner enters the courtroom during his trial. He is charged with ordering the execution without court-martial of two Wehrmacht officers and an NCO during World War II.

Source :
https://www.alamy.com/oct-01-1957-on-october-1-1957-the-trial-against-ex-field-marshal-ferdinand-image69347852.html
https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/german-field-marshal-ferdinand-sch%C3%B6rner-enters-the-news-photo/954971034
https://id.rbth.com/sejarah/86224-tawanan-soviet-marsekal-lapangan-nazi-selamat-ryx
https://www.imago-images.com/st/0061847507

Wilhelm List and Maximilian von Weichs Before Hostages Trial

Wilhelm List received an indictment from Colonel Charles Mays (Marshall of Military Tribunals), while watching beside him is Maximilian von Weichs. This photo was taken on May 12, 1947, before the start of the so-called "Hostage Trials" in Nuremberg (held from July 8, 1947 to February 19, 1948), which is the trial for the ex high-ranking German officers on the Balkan and Scandinavian Fronts accused of committed war crimes. Former Generalfeldmarschall List and Weichs were two of 12 officers scheduled to be tried in front of the judge, but his deteriorating health led to Weichs being released before the trial even begun.

Source :
https://www.bpk-bildagentur.de/shop
https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/pa1040881

Hostages Case (or Southeast Case): Sentencing of German Generals Active in Southeastern Europe

(Münich 676) War Crimes Trials - Subsequent Trial Proceedings - Hostages Trial #7, Nürnberg, Germany, February 1948. Sentencing Southeast Generals. HAS, tribunal as Judge Charles F. Wennerstrum announces that sentencing will now be imposed. First two generals - Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm List and General der Pioniere Walter Kuntze - are given lifetime imprisonment. Former Generals - Generaloberst Lothar Rendulic, General der Infanterie Ernst Dehner, General der Flieger Wilhelm Speidel (Luftwaffe), General der Infanterie Ernst von Leyser, General der Flieger Hellmuth Felmy (Luftwaffe), and General der Gebirgstruppe Hubert Lanz are identified by name and sentenced; General der Infanterie Hermann Foertsch and Generalmajor der Reserve Curt Ritter von Geitner are freed.

This case is also known as the "Southeast Case" because the defendants were all German generals leading troops in southeastern Europe during the Balkans Campaign, i.e. in Greece, Albania, and Yugoslavia (and also in Norway). They were charged as responsible for taking civilians hostage and shooting them, along with partisans the German troops committed there from 1941 on, wantonly.

Source :
https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn1003073

Theodor Tolsdorff on Trial

 

 

Former Generalleutnant Theodor Tolsdorff at the court, 9 September 1958; The court of assizas at the country court Traunstein began with a new trial against one of the highest decorated soldier of the German Army of the second world war, Brillantenträger Theodor Tolsdorff on Tuesday September 23rd. He faced charges for the execution of Hauptmann Franz Xaver Holzhey, an army captain and First World War veteran, on 3 May 1945. Without orders, Holzhey had put up a red cross sign near the command post at the entrance of the little Bavarian village Eisenarzt to save it from the destruction of the little place by the Americans (because there exist an army hospital). Initially, Tolsdorff was sentenced to two and a half years. A federal court overturned the decision and ordered a retrial. On 24 June 1960, Tolsdorff was declared not guilty. The same year, Tolsdorff was hired by the German Asphalt AG and held a position of manager until 1969, when he took over the branch office in Dortmund.

Source :
https://forum.axishistory.com/index.php
https://ww2gravestone.com/people/tolsdorff-theodor-tolsdorff-the-mad/