Hans Fritzsche | |
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![]() Fritzsche in 1940 | |
Personal details | |
Born | Bochum, Province of Westphalia, Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire | 21 April 1900
Died | 27 September 1953 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany | (aged 53)
Nationality | German |
Political party | Nazi Party |
Other political affiliations | German National People's Party |
Spouse | Hildegard Fritzsche |
Alma mater | University of Greifswald Humboldt University of Berlin |
Occupation | Ministerialdirektor in the Ministry for Popular Enlightenment and Propaganda |
Profession | Journalist, Government Official |
Military service | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Branch/service | Imperial German Army |
Years of service | 1917–1918 |
Rank | Soldat |
Battles/wars | World War I |
August Franz Anton Hans Fritzsche (21 April 1900 – 27 September 1953)[1] was the Ministerialdirektor at the Propagandaministerium (Reich Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda) of Nazi Germany. He was the preeminent German broadcaster of his time, as part of efforts to present a more popular and entertaining side of the Nazi regime, and his voice was recognised by the majority of Germans.[1]
Fritzsche was present in the Berlin Führerbunker during the last days of Adolf Hitler. After Hitler's death, he went over to the Soviet lines in Berlin to offer the surrender of the city to the Red Army on 1 May 1945. He was taken prisoner.