[World War II] Account by Walter Bargatzky of the plot of 20 July 1944 to assassinate Hitler

Autograph manuscript signed at head of first page and at foot of last page, 14 pages (10 3/4 x 8 1/4 in.; 272 x 210 mm), in blue pencil, Augsburg, 10 June 1945 being Bargatzky's account of the plot of 20 July 1944 to assassinate Hitler, compiled in 1945 after his surrender to the Allies; trace of staple, water staining at foot of first page, not affecting legibility; accompanied by a full English translation.

Autograph manuscript signed at head of first page and at foot of last page, 14 pages (10 3/4 x 8 1/4 in.; 272 x 210 mm), in blue pencil, Augsburg, 10 June 1945 being Bargatzky's account of the plot of 20 July 1944 to assassinate Hitler, compiled in 1945 after his surrender to the Allies; trace of staple, water staining at foot of first page, not affecting legibility; accompanied by a full English translation.
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The plot to assassinate Hitler.  The famous unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Hitler was on 20 July 1944, in Rastenburg. A bomb was planted under the table in Hitler's office, which detonated successfully, but only slighted wounded the Führer.  His revenge was swift and savage. Those plotters who were caught were brought to summary court martial and executed on 8 August. "I want them hanged" said Hitler, "strung up like butchered cattle"; the hangings were filmed, and Hitler is said to have watched the recording that very evening with relish (Joachim Fest, Hitler).  Responsibility was extended to the families of the plotters, many of whom, however distant, were arrested. Rommel was ordered to swallow poison. The conspiracy involved a large number of individuals and Bargatzky, being the legal advisor of General von Stülpnagel and thus not concerned at first hand with the bombing, was able to avoid arrest.

In the present document, Walter Bargatzky describes how he came to be recruited to the conspiracy after defending two officers charged with anti-Nazi sentiments, and tells of the plans for the composition of a new government and policies after the overthrow of the Nazi regime. Details of of the events leading up to the abortive coup itself and its consequences are included in this extraordinary document. In addition, Bargatzky's sentiments about the whole affair a year later are clearly articulated.

The present manuscript is most likely the only account of the plot by one of the conspirators remaining in private hands. 

Together with: Typed document signed ("Rommel"), 1 page (9 x 7 1/2 in.; 228 x 190 mm), [no place, no date], regarding the military honor of the order of Savoy; matted and framed.