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I Was Hitler's Chauffeur The Memoirs of Erich Kempka
Erich Kempka served as Hitler's personal driver from 1934 through to the Fuhrer's dramatic suicide in 1945. His candid memoirs offer a unique eyewitness account of events leading up to and during the war, culminating in those dark final days in the Fuhrer's headquarters, deep under the shattered city of Berlin.
He begins by describing his duties as a member of Hitler's personal staff in the years preceding the war, driving the Fuhrer throughout Germany and abroad, and accompanying him to rallies.
The crux of his memoirs however covers his life with Hitler in the Berlin Fuhrerbunker. During this time he was responsible for a transport fleet of cars, and often drove the likes of Speer or Kesselring on inspection tours to the hot spots on the front; and in March 1945, he accompanied the Fuhrer to his final front-inspection tour.
Kempka was also present when news came through of Goring and Himmler's efforts to seize power and negotiate a truce with the Western Allies.
Crucially, Kempka also witnessed Hitler's marriage to Eva Braun, and his last dinner and personal farewell to all those present, before he and his wife committed suicide. Hitler's final order to Kempka was that he have ready enough petrol to burn him and his wife. Under constant Soviet artillery fire, Kempke, Linge and others poured petrol over the bodies and burnt them.
The account concludes with Kempka's hazardous escape out of a burning Berlin more than 800 km through enemy-occupied Germany, home to find his wife at BE. There he was arrested by American C.fI.C. personnel and interrogated before being sent to serve as a witness at Nuremburg.
He begins by describing his duties as a member of Hitler's personal staff in the years preceding the war, driving the Fuhrer throughout Germany and abroad, and accompanying him to rallies.
The crux of his memoirs however covers his life with Hitler in the Berlin Fuhrerbunker. During this time he was responsible for a transport fleet of cars, and often drove the likes of Speer or Kesselring on inspection tours to the hot spots on the front; and in March 1945, he accompanied the Fuhrer to his final front-inspection tour.
Kempka was also present when news came through of Goring and Himmler's efforts to seize power and negotiate a truce with the Western Allies.
Crucially, Kempka also witnessed Hitler's marriage to Eva Braun, and his last dinner and personal farewell to all those present, before he and his wife committed suicide. Hitler's final order to Kempka was that he have ready enough petrol to burn him and his wife. Under constant Soviet artillery fire, Kempke, Linge and others poured petrol over the bodies and burnt them.
The account concludes with Kempka's hazardous escape out of a burning Berlin more than 800 km through enemy-occupied Germany, home to find his wife at BE. There he was arrested by American C.fI.C. personnel and interrogated before being sent to serve as a witness at Nuremburg.
180 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1951
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333 people want to read
About the author
Erich Kempka
7 books6 followersErich Kempka (16 September 1910 – 24 January 1975) was a member of the SS in Nazi Germany who served as Adolf Hitler's primary chauffeur from 1936 to April 1945. He was present in the area of the Reich Chancellery on 30 April 1945, when Hitler shot himself in the Führerbunker. Kempka delivered the petrol to the garden behind the Reich Chancellery, where the remains of Hitler and Eva Braun were burned.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 7, 2020
Very definitely a book of two halves (to use an awful football cliche); the first half is written by Erich Kempka and is rivetting reading while the second half is billed as providing 'background and context' by Erich Kern and, while it also covers the activities in the bunker, it is not half as interesting. Indeed the introduction to the book describes it as 'more of an extended and intemperate rant'!
Kempka was summoned from relative obscurity to meet with Hitler, who was immediately taken with the man and employed him as one of his personal chauffeurs. Before too long Kempka had become the number one man and was always with Hitler in his drives around the country and to the front lines once war began.
He gives a fascinating portrait of the man and even manages to bring some modicum of humanity to his personality, so much so that one begins to see where Hitler was coming from and even have some sympathy with his views.
The tale becomes very dramatic once they are all ensconced in the bunker and Kempka gives a superb portrait of life below ground. And when it comes to the ending, he was there all the time and the first-hand account is traumatic.
He was the man who ordered the 200 gallons of petrol that were used to cremate Hitler and his wife Eva and was then involved in the burial of his ashes. Indeed his memoirs were first published with the title of 'I Cremated Adolf Hitler' (translated) but this was eventually toned down to be less specific and less horrifying.
One thing that Kempka does stress is the behaviour of Martin Borman, who he describes as being treacherous in every possible way and he was there when, trying to break out Bormann met his end. He was also present when Joseph Goebbels, his wife and six children met their end -by their own hand.
He finishes his memoirs with his own excape, which had its traumas, and his subsequent appearance at the Nuremberg trials.
The second half of the book shows Kern's role in the bunker ending and his break out from what he called 'The Citadel'. While it is again first hand, it is nowhere near as succinct and definitive as that of Kempka, who was obviously a very close associate of Adolf Hitler during his time in his service.
Kempka was summoned from relative obscurity to meet with Hitler, who was immediately taken with the man and employed him as one of his personal chauffeurs. Before too long Kempka had become the number one man and was always with Hitler in his drives around the country and to the front lines once war began.
He gives a fascinating portrait of the man and even manages to bring some modicum of humanity to his personality, so much so that one begins to see where Hitler was coming from and even have some sympathy with his views.
The tale becomes very dramatic once they are all ensconced in the bunker and Kempka gives a superb portrait of life below ground. And when it comes to the ending, he was there all the time and the first-hand account is traumatic.
He was the man who ordered the 200 gallons of petrol that were used to cremate Hitler and his wife Eva and was then involved in the burial of his ashes. Indeed his memoirs were first published with the title of 'I Cremated Adolf Hitler' (translated) but this was eventually toned down to be less specific and less horrifying.
One thing that Kempka does stress is the behaviour of Martin Borman, who he describes as being treacherous in every possible way and he was there when, trying to break out Bormann met his end. He was also present when Joseph Goebbels, his wife and six children met their end -by their own hand.
He finishes his memoirs with his own excape, which had its traumas, and his subsequent appearance at the Nuremberg trials.
The second half of the book shows Kern's role in the bunker ending and his break out from what he called 'The Citadel'. While it is again first hand, it is nowhere near as succinct and definitive as that of Kempka, who was obviously a very close associate of Adolf Hitler during his time in his service.
October 31, 2020
Nepatiko. Iš žmogaus, kuris praleido tiek daug laiko šalia Hitlerio ir, kaip pats rašo, turėjo su juo daugybę pokalbių, tikiesi daugiau ryškių atsiminimų, minčių, kurias Hitleris niekada nesakė plačiai, bet pasakė savo vairuotojui, požiūrio iš arti, t.y., ne istorinių įvykių aprašymo, o tai, kaip tie įvykiai gimė, kas juos įtakojo ir pan.
Atsiminimai labai paviršutiniški. Viename puslapyje kalbama apie 1937 m., kitame jau apie 1942 m. Pralekiama beveik niekur nesustojant ilgesniam ir nuoseklesniam pasakojimui. Tikiu, kad šiandien rašant tokią knygą būtų pakapstyta kur kas giliau.
Jei bent kiek plačiau domitės apie 2 Pasaulinį karą, vargu, ar rasite šioje knygoje įdomios naujos informacijos.
Ai, vos nepamiršau. Lietuviškas viršelis tragiškas.
Atsiminimai labai paviršutiniški. Viename puslapyje kalbama apie 1937 m., kitame jau apie 1942 m. Pralekiama beveik niekur nesustojant ilgesniam ir nuoseklesniam pasakojimui. Tikiu, kad šiandien rašant tokią knygą būtų pakapstyta kur kas giliau.
Jei bent kiek plačiau domitės apie 2 Pasaulinį karą, vargu, ar rasite šioje knygoje įdomios naujos informacijos.
Ai, vos nepamiršau. Lietuviškas viršelis tragiškas.
May 25, 2015
Spicuiri din recenzia finala care se gaseste pe blogul meu
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Nu credeam că o carte de istorie despre naziști te poate face să râzi, dar uite că s-a întâmplat! Nu din cauza lui Kempka care este cât se poate de profesionist în redactarea amintirilor sale pe care le-a înregistrat la un notar în 1947 cât datorită textului care este mai bine de o jumătate de carte scris de Erich Kern.
Kern este un fost membru al NSDAP și un jurnalist de extremă dreaptă. A reușit, cumva, să aibă parte de oarece notorietate datorită textelor sale și unor lucrări care erau ușor șocante și delicioase, bănuiesc, pentru o seamă de istorici și un anumit gen de public. Kern este genul de istoric care poate să fie foarte ușor categorisit drept revizionist.
În Contexte și interferențe, Kern aduce un fel de odă lui Adolf Hitler, marele geniu militar care a fost săpat de aliații săi nevolnici și de generalii care-l doreau îndepărtat de la putere. În regulă, toată lumea știe că Hitler și l-a luat singur pe cap pe Mussolini care era un incompetent din punct de vedere militar, înconjurat de o armată de tot râsul, dar pe asta și-a făcut-o cu mâna lui. Nu poți acuza italienii de și mai multă incompetență atâta timp cât nu au fost în stare să câștige un război împotriva unei armate care călărea cai și trăgea cu arcurile. Asta trebuia deja să-i spună ceva lui Hitler. Decizia lui Hitler de a-l coopta pe Mussolini în cercul său de putere e strict vina lui. Kern este de cu totul altă părere. Vă invit să descoperiți singuri pentru că este savuros capitolul dedicat italienilor.
Kern mai are o problemă și cu generalii care-l vroiau mort pe Hitler, alături de spionii care-l pîrau pe Fuhrer la Aliați. Păi, ăsta-i mersul războiului! De asta există servicii de informații, pentru ca unii să afle ce fac ceilalți fără ca ceilalți să afle! Nu e ca și cum naziștii n-ar fi spionat pe nimeni pentru că ei sunt fair-play. Însă ce este cu adevărat amuzant vine de la acuzele pe care Kern le aduce generalilor Wermacht-ului care l-au trădat constant pe Hitler. Kern susține sus și tare că toate succesele armate ale naziștilor au fost strict datorate lui Hitler. Ignorând cu un mare talent nume mari de generali, Kern îl urcă pe Hitler pe un piedestal în care samavolnicii generali supărați că un caporal îi conduce, aruncau cu pietre și caca, încercând să-l doboare trimițând ciungi ca să-i arunce în aer soclul. Spectaculos Kern!
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..........................................
Nu credeam că o carte de istorie despre naziști te poate face să râzi, dar uite că s-a întâmplat! Nu din cauza lui Kempka care este cât se poate de profesionist în redactarea amintirilor sale pe care le-a înregistrat la un notar în 1947 cât datorită textului care este mai bine de o jumătate de carte scris de Erich Kern.
Kern este un fost membru al NSDAP și un jurnalist de extremă dreaptă. A reușit, cumva, să aibă parte de oarece notorietate datorită textelor sale și unor lucrări care erau ușor șocante și delicioase, bănuiesc, pentru o seamă de istorici și un anumit gen de public. Kern este genul de istoric care poate să fie foarte ușor categorisit drept revizionist.
În Contexte și interferențe, Kern aduce un fel de odă lui Adolf Hitler, marele geniu militar care a fost săpat de aliații săi nevolnici și de generalii care-l doreau îndepărtat de la putere. În regulă, toată lumea știe că Hitler și l-a luat singur pe cap pe Mussolini care era un incompetent din punct de vedere militar, înconjurat de o armată de tot râsul, dar pe asta și-a făcut-o cu mâna lui. Nu poți acuza italienii de și mai multă incompetență atâta timp cât nu au fost în stare să câștige un război împotriva unei armate care călărea cai și trăgea cu arcurile. Asta trebuia deja să-i spună ceva lui Hitler. Decizia lui Hitler de a-l coopta pe Mussolini în cercul său de putere e strict vina lui. Kern este de cu totul altă părere. Vă invit să descoperiți singuri pentru că este savuros capitolul dedicat italienilor.
Kern mai are o problemă și cu generalii care-l vroiau mort pe Hitler, alături de spionii care-l pîrau pe Fuhrer la Aliați. Păi, ăsta-i mersul războiului! De asta există servicii de informații, pentru ca unii să afle ce fac ceilalți fără ca ceilalți să afle! Nu e ca și cum naziștii n-ar fi spionat pe nimeni pentru că ei sunt fair-play. Însă ce este cu adevărat amuzant vine de la acuzele pe care Kern le aduce generalilor Wermacht-ului care l-au trădat constant pe Hitler. Kern susține sus și tare că toate succesele armate ale naziștilor au fost strict datorate lui Hitler. Ignorând cu un mare talent nume mari de generali, Kern îl urcă pe Hitler pe un piedestal în care samavolnicii generali supărați că un caporal îi conduce, aruncau cu pietre și caca, încercând să-l doboare trimițând ciungi ca să-i arunce în aer soclul. Spectaculos Kern!
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August 21, 2021
Tai iš esmės dviguba knyga. Pirmiausia joje dėstomi Ericho Kempkos, asmeninio Hitlerio vairuotojo, atsiminimai, o antroje knygos dalyje yra trys priedai, kurie vos ne tokio paties ilgumo kaip ir Kempkos atsiminimai. Viską vienija tai, kai daugiausiai kalbama apie paskutines dienas bunkeryje ir Berlyno kapituliaciją.
Patys Kempkos atsiminimai yra labai trumpi ir aiškiai jaučiama, kad yra labai daug nutylėjimų. Knygoje Kempka rašo, kad Hitleris jo klausinėjo apie jo šeimyninę padėtį ar apskritai kilmę, tačiau pats Kempka nieko apie save neišduoda. Šiuose atsiminimuose net negalima sužinoti, kokios realiai buvo jo politinės pažiūrios. Manęs niekaip neapleido mintis, kad jo pažiūros buvo arba turėjo būti labai panašios į Hitlerio, nes būtent jis buvo paskirtas į pareigas, kurios tiesiogiai lėmė Hitlerio gyvybės ir mirties klausimą. Patys memuarai labai sausi ir atrodo, kad buvo stengtasi viską parašyti "politiškai korektiškai". Knygoje išsiskiria tik aiškiai neigiamas požiūris į Martiną Bormaną, kuriam atskirai skiriama daugiau vietos, tačiau visa kita aprašyta gana abstrakčiai.
Ši knyga skiriama visiems tiems, kurie domisi paskutinėmis Hitlerio gyvenimo dienomis bunkeryje. Taip pat joje įrodoma, kad Hitleris tikrai nusižudė, nors buvo skleidžiama daugybė gandų. Prieduose nurodoma, kaip buvo kovojama fronte siekiant apsaugoti Berlyną bei kaip karo pabaigoje kai kurie karo vadai ignoravo Hitlerio įsakymus. Kempkos atsiminimuose Hitleris vaizduojamas tik teigiamoje šviesoje, joje visiškai nenagrinėjami politiniai įvykiai. Vis dėlto liūdna, kad Kempka į Hitlerį žiūrėjo tik iš savo darbo perspektyvos. Manau, kad teisingiausia būtų sakyti, jog Kempka aprašė Hitlerį kaip savo DARBDAVĮ, o ne kaip žmogų, atsakingą už milijonų žmonių mirtis.
Patys Kempkos atsiminimai yra labai trumpi ir aiškiai jaučiama, kad yra labai daug nutylėjimų. Knygoje Kempka rašo, kad Hitleris jo klausinėjo apie jo šeimyninę padėtį ar apskritai kilmę, tačiau pats Kempka nieko apie save neišduoda. Šiuose atsiminimuose net negalima sužinoti, kokios realiai buvo jo politinės pažiūrios. Manęs niekaip neapleido mintis, kad jo pažiūros buvo arba turėjo būti labai panašios į Hitlerio, nes būtent jis buvo paskirtas į pareigas, kurios tiesiogiai lėmė Hitlerio gyvybės ir mirties klausimą. Patys memuarai labai sausi ir atrodo, kad buvo stengtasi viską parašyti "politiškai korektiškai". Knygoje išsiskiria tik aiškiai neigiamas požiūris į Martiną Bormaną, kuriam atskirai skiriama daugiau vietos, tačiau visa kita aprašyta gana abstrakčiai.
Ši knyga skiriama visiems tiems, kurie domisi paskutinėmis Hitlerio gyvenimo dienomis bunkeryje. Taip pat joje įrodoma, kad Hitleris tikrai nusižudė, nors buvo skleidžiama daugybė gandų. Prieduose nurodoma, kaip buvo kovojama fronte siekiant apsaugoti Berlyną bei kaip karo pabaigoje kai kurie karo vadai ignoravo Hitlerio įsakymus. Kempkos atsiminimuose Hitleris vaizduojamas tik teigiamoje šviesoje, joje visiškai nenagrinėjami politiniai įvykiai. Vis dėlto liūdna, kad Kempka į Hitlerį žiūrėjo tik iš savo darbo perspektyvos. Manau, kad teisingiausia būtų sakyti, jog Kempka aprašė Hitlerį kaip savo DARBDAVĮ, o ne kaip žmogų, atsakingą už milijonų žmonių mirtis.
July 27, 2023
A relatively short account of the author’s service as Hitler’s driver. Like others in his service, Kempka had only fond and respectful memories of “The Boss”. Nothing about politics and policy, but Hitler didn’t discuss those issues with his servants. Kempka comes across as apolitical, just a man doing his job.
Unlike his feelings for Hitler, Kempka strongly disliked Martin Bormann. He saw Bormann as a self-serving schemer whose only good point was his strong work ethic.
Of most interest is the account of the last days in the Bunker and Kempka’s part in the cremation of Hitler’s body. Almost the last half of the book is composed of three appendices taken from writings by the journalist Erich Kern that were included in a 1975 (German language) edition of the book. These concern the battle for Berlin and the attempted breakout from the Bunker after Hitler’s death. In would have been interesting to read all of Kern’s text, but as Roger Moorhouse wrote in the introduction, Kern was definitely not politically correct.
Unlike his feelings for Hitler, Kempka strongly disliked Martin Bormann. He saw Bormann as a self-serving schemer whose only good point was his strong work ethic.
Of most interest is the account of the last days in the Bunker and Kempka’s part in the cremation of Hitler’s body. Almost the last half of the book is composed of three appendices taken from writings by the journalist Erich Kern that were included in a 1975 (German language) edition of the book. These concern the battle for Berlin and the attempted breakout from the Bunker after Hitler’s death. In would have been interesting to read all of Kern’s text, but as Roger Moorhouse wrote in the introduction, Kern was definitely not politically correct.
May 11, 2015
Hitler's chauffeur describes his duties and life in the bunker.
The first half of this book (written by Kempka) was riveting / oddly fascinating (in a chilling way) as a man describes his selection to be Hitler’s chauffeur, years of service and eventual imprisonment. The appendices were muddled and added very little to the memoir.
My 5 rating is for the section of the book written by Kempka.
The first half of this book (written by Kempka) was riveting / oddly fascinating (in a chilling way) as a man describes his selection to be Hitler’s chauffeur, years of service and eventual imprisonment. The appendices were muddled and added very little to the memoir.
My 5 rating is for the section of the book written by Kempka.
April 18, 2014
Turns out Hitler was actually sound! Bought people sandwiches and the lot. He even once made a joke!
January 31, 2016
Do NOT even waste you time on this terrible book unless you want to believe the fantasy that underneath it all, Adolf was a good guy, a good and loyal friend. And a soft spoken pussy at.
What SHIT.
What SHIT.
June 24, 2020
Excellent account which falls in Line with other books very good read.
October 21, 2017
This is an important memoir because it shines a light on Hitler as an ordinary person. As (fellow Stopfordian) Roger Moorhouse points out in the introduction, the memoir "cannot...rehabilitate Hitler or even soften his rightly heinous reputation" but it does give a glimpse of the man. A man who we would always like to think is so far removed from anything like "us" but in actuality was NOT a mythical monster but a individual. The content *is* dull to begin with and the life of a chauffeur is shown to be (surprise surprise!) a great deal of driving! Amidst this though, Kempka gives insight into Hitler map reading his way around Germany for the 1932 election campaign and preparing snacks for his drivers lest they get tired.
The memoir becomes gripping when Kempka and Hitler arrive in Berlin at the Reich Chancellery bunker where Hitler and other leading Nazis would see out their final days. Kempka then recounts Hitler's final days as he saw them and his role in the cremation of Hitler and Eva Braun after their suicide - Kempka's motor pool provided the two-hundred gallons of petrol with which to burn the bodies. The tension and hopelessness of those final days as the Soviet forces encircled Berlin, and the in-fighting and preservation instincts of leading Nazis are all highlighted here. None come out well. All are portrayed as delusional until the last.
This is not a memoir that glorifies Hitler. I still have questions on Kempka's ideological position - after all, he rose to the rank of Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel) in the SS - but I think Moorhouse again has it correct when he outlines the relationship between Kempka and Hitler as "servant to master" rather than "acolyte to Prophet". The same theme can be detected in the more well-known account of Traudl Junge, "Until the Final Hour", that was made into the "Downfall" film.
This edition also includes an account "to provide context" written by right-wing Austrain journalist Erick Kern. The inclusion is abridged and only focusses on an apologist account of the final days. Extra emphasis is given to Soviet murder and rape in the taking of Berlin. The bias is obvious and seems ridiculous when presented here BUT the inclusion of footnotes from David Irving as justification for Kern's view is nonetheless startling. It was a brave choice to have such material here and it is important in this age of social media 'echo chambers' that historians and general readers are faced with such vitriol. Detecting it as i read and then being forced to intellectually engage and challenge the argument made me look at Kempka's account with much more critical eyes. That can only be a GOOD thing with any historical writing.
The memoir becomes gripping when Kempka and Hitler arrive in Berlin at the Reich Chancellery bunker where Hitler and other leading Nazis would see out their final days. Kempka then recounts Hitler's final days as he saw them and his role in the cremation of Hitler and Eva Braun after their suicide - Kempka's motor pool provided the two-hundred gallons of petrol with which to burn the bodies. The tension and hopelessness of those final days as the Soviet forces encircled Berlin, and the in-fighting and preservation instincts of leading Nazis are all highlighted here. None come out well. All are portrayed as delusional until the last.
This is not a memoir that glorifies Hitler. I still have questions on Kempka's ideological position - after all, he rose to the rank of Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel) in the SS - but I think Moorhouse again has it correct when he outlines the relationship between Kempka and Hitler as "servant to master" rather than "acolyte to Prophet". The same theme can be detected in the more well-known account of Traudl Junge, "Until the Final Hour", that was made into the "Downfall" film.
This edition also includes an account "to provide context" written by right-wing Austrain journalist Erick Kern. The inclusion is abridged and only focusses on an apologist account of the final days. Extra emphasis is given to Soviet murder and rape in the taking of Berlin. The bias is obvious and seems ridiculous when presented here BUT the inclusion of footnotes from David Irving as justification for Kern's view is nonetheless startling. It was a brave choice to have such material here and it is important in this age of social media 'echo chambers' that historians and general readers are faced with such vitriol. Detecting it as i read and then being forced to intellectually engage and challenge the argument made me look at Kempka's account with much more critical eyes. That can only be a GOOD thing with any historical writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2022
„Beveik visi artimiausi Hitlerio žmonės susidūrė tik su pačiomis geriausiomis jo savybėmis“. Jei nežinotum, kas buvo Hitleris, skaitydamas knygą galėtum pagalvoti, kad tai buvo geras ir „pūkuotas“ dėdė. Gal saviems jis ir buvo geras, bet negali pamiršti, kiek milijonų žmonių susidūrė su pačiomis blogiausiomis jo savybėmis.
Knyga nėra literatūros šedevras, bet man buvo įdomu skaityti apie paskutines Hitlerio dienas bunkeryje, vestuves su Eva Braun likus porai dienų iki savižudybės, jų kūnų sudeginimą.
Knyga nėra literatūros šedevras, bet man buvo įdomu skaityti apie paskutines Hitlerio dienas bunkeryje, vestuves su Eva Braun likus porai dienų iki savižudybės, jų kūnų sudeginimą.
April 21, 2025
The way Kempka describes Hitler with the intent of humanising him but also allowing people to draw their own conclusions is fascinating. Kempka reminds us all that humans do massively have the ability to become him, whether they like it or not - and, when combined with the appendixes, provide a large amount of insight into Hitler's life both before and during the war, including on his relationships with individuals such as Eva Braun and Goebbels. Overall a brilliant recount of life close to Hitler.
October 10, 2021
Hitler's chauffeur experienced a very different side of him than what the rest of the world saw. This brings to mind the 2004 movie "Crash" - where the protagonists are portrayed with both a positive and a dark side, depending on the circumstances. I am reminded that few people are entirely good or entirely bad. Most of us would admit, even if reluctantly, that we all have the propensity to be altruistic or to commit evil depending on the circumstances.
September 10, 2024
Interesting accounts but the author portraits Hitler & Co. very positively, completely neglecting their cruel deeds. However the (extensive) publisher's note comments on this account and provides clarification.
October 14, 2025
Not much of an eye-opener...although you can see why Hitler trusted him to be in the inner circle (he was definitely staunch). Oh yeah, and I only read the memoir part--not all that stuff in the appendices.
December 4, 2019
Ok if you like history
Not too bad but you got understand that the author was first and foremost a member of the nazi party. NDSP. I suppose akin to present day Democratic Party
Not too bad but you got understand that the author was first and foremost a member of the nazi party. NDSP. I suppose akin to present day Democratic Party
November 19, 2020
Interesting read
I did enjoy reading this book ,sure gives you a different insight ,still Hiller was a most dangerous man and I think his chauffeur was brainwashed
I did enjoy reading this book ,sure gives you a different insight ,still Hiller was a most dangerous man and I think his chauffeur was brainwashed
June 30, 2023
Same stuff from Hitler's valet with a bit more from the early to mid 1930s. The guy really had a thing for him.
December 27, 2023
The man that hitler trust by his life and his own driver … (Erich Kempka)
March 24, 2024
The bunker
A very detailed account if the last few weeks in the bunker. Many committed suicide. Some escaped to American lines. Many spent years in Russian captivity.
A very detailed account if the last few weeks in the bunker. Many committed suicide. Some escaped to American lines. Many spent years in Russian captivity.
July 19, 2025
Very Short, Disappointing
I like the private delving into things about Hitler, his manners, diet, personality. This very short book is devoid of these.
I like the private delving into things about Hitler, his manners, diet, personality. This very short book is devoid of these.
November 4, 2025
You know hitler was a demon but to others he showed a different side
March 12, 2017
Nothing new here
The book was OK. But it was not what I was originally looking for. I was hoping to find a lead in to The Devil's Mercedes.
The book was OK. But it was not what I was originally looking for. I was hoping to find a lead in to The Devil's Mercedes.
March 13, 2017
I Was Hitler’s Chauffeur was an enjoyable read for a very different perspective. While I did not read the appendices, they are supposed to add additional historical and political context. Although some of the longer, German words made it slower to read, that is less of a problem except where it occasionally impacts comprehension and speed. While I am never going to say that Hitler was a good man, this was a good book to stretch me outside of my comfort zone. It forced me to humanize a figure that I have seen as superhuman for so many years. Because of this, I highly recommend it to anyone who loves history or anyone who is interested in stretching themselves.
To visit my memoir review blog:
https://memoir.blog/ (home)
https://memoir.blog/i-was-hitlers-cha... (this book)
To visit my memoir review blog:
https://memoir.blog/ (home)
https://memoir.blog/i-was-hitlers-cha... (this book)
October 6, 2020
This book was S A V A G E. it was a qucik but engrossing read that answered questions I had as a kid about the man hitler was and how his end came about. I liked that the book focused on the subject at hand and didn't get into the war so much. I would definitely recommend this book. It's raw, it's real.
February 10, 2016
What an interesting read albeit a book in two parts.
The first part in the words on Erick Kempka:
I found the "out of the horse's mouth" memoir was an eye-opener into the life of Adolf Hitler from someone who spent so much time with the man.
This is not a report about decisions Hitler made or how Hitler planned different phases of the war but a memoir of a man who spent a lot of intimate time with a person who had a major impact on the world.
The personal impressions of Hitler and his henchmen and of those in Hitlers inner circle are of real interest and to hear that Hitler did seemingly have a "softer" side is all too amazing.
The second part by Erich Kern:
This is more a corrections and "facts" section of his time spent in the bunker yet not as clearly descriptive as the first part. Well put together in my eyes though.
A very worthwhile read.
The first part in the words on Erick Kempka:
I found the "out of the horse's mouth" memoir was an eye-opener into the life of Adolf Hitler from someone who spent so much time with the man.
This is not a report about decisions Hitler made or how Hitler planned different phases of the war but a memoir of a man who spent a lot of intimate time with a person who had a major impact on the world.
The personal impressions of Hitler and his henchmen and of those in Hitlers inner circle are of real interest and to hear that Hitler did seemingly have a "softer" side is all too amazing.
The second part by Erich Kern:
This is more a corrections and "facts" section of his time spent in the bunker yet not as clearly descriptive as the first part. Well put together in my eyes though.
A very worthwhile read.
February 3, 2017
A fascinating look at the rise of Hitler til his final days in the bunker by his personal driver. The author was in his early 20s when he received the assignment to the motor pool from which he became the main driver to Hitler. Hitler frequently rode in the front seat with his driver and they became well acquainted, even friends as time went by. The author went on to become a witness at the Nuremberg trials, and spent time in prison. His personal experiences and acquaintance with the highest placed Nazis provide one more glimpse at this deplorable chapter of history.
May 2, 2021
This is the memoir of Erich Kempka, featuring moments from before and during the war. He was on Hitler's staff before the formal declaration of war, and drove him all over Europe. He was witness to the relationship between Eva Braun and their marriage, as well as the relationships between all the leading Nazis of the time. He was present for the suicide of Hitler and Braun, and helped to douse the bodies with fuel to burn them. He was also a witness at the Nuremberg trials. This was a very interesting book, and I think that memoirs from former Nazis and other Germans are so important. The perspective is so important.
July 21, 2015
I only read the first half of this book as I felt the second half which holds the appendixes rambled on a bit and didn't hold the first part very well.
Away from that gripe, the story of Erich Kempka and his role as chauffeur to Hitler is very interesting and shows how Hitler himself can trust his own staff with slight difficulty. The final hours of Hitler is very well described for someone who was only a chauffeur and wouldn't be needed 24/7 so I don't think all of this book is truthful.
Away from that gripe, the story of Erich Kempka and his role as chauffeur to Hitler is very interesting and shows how Hitler himself can trust his own staff with slight difficulty. The final hours of Hitler is very well described for someone who was only a chauffeur and wouldn't be needed 24/7 so I don't think all of this book is truthful.
November 25, 2015
Very different viewpoints
I found it a very interesting historical read from a surprisingly different albeit biased eyewitness to one of the most horrific times in history. I would recommend this book for it's historical value
I found it a very interesting historical read from a surprisingly different albeit biased eyewitness to one of the most horrific times in history. I would recommend this book for it's historical value
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