Before the Blood Tribunal

by Rudi Wobbe

Book by Wobbe, Rudolf Gustav

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, World War II, Historical, Lds, Memoir

164 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1992

Reviews

[Marquise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning true story I had never heard about before, and you probably didn't either. Because these three kids were immensely more courageous than the White Rose group, but are far less known.

That's what they were: kids, just kids. Helmuth Hübener was 17, Karl-Heinz Schnibbe was 16, and Rudi Wobbe was 15 when they were condemned to death and imprisonment in 1942. But what kids they were! Their crime? The same "crime" as the older, more experienced, and more mature Scholls: writing and distributing handbills and leaflets calling out the lies of the Nazi government and asking their countrymen to oppose it.

All because Hübener, a 16-year-old boy with a deep-rooted faith and a brilliant mind, saw what many adults double and triple his age couldn't: that Hitler was evil and needed to be resisted at any cost. As a member of the Mormon faith in Hamburg, he had witnessed injustice in the streets, at school, at work as an apprentice, and even at his church (some of the leadership were ardent Nazis), and decided something had to be done. Being just a boy, he came up with a plan to distribute information he was getting from secretly listening to the BBC about the truth the Nazis were hiding from the people, so the people would know the truth, and for that plan he enrolled the help of two of his besties: Rudi and Karl-Heinz, his lifelong friends, both also Mormons, whom a fourth joined later. Rudi Wobbe, the author of this memoir, was the closest to Helmuth and the most involved of all.

Unfortunately, the kids were caught, arrested, tortured, and promptly marched by the Gestapo into the Volkgerichtshof for trial. The People's Court in Berlin, the same that condemned Hans and Sophie Scholl et al., sentenced Hübener to death for high treason, Wobbe to 10 years imprisonment, Schnibbe to 5 years, and the fourth boy to 4 years. Helmuth Hübener was beheaded at Plötzensee Prison, even though both the freaking Hitlerjugend and the very same Gestapo wrote to the Führer for clemency for him on account of his young age. All in vain, Hitler said no to commuting the verdict, and brave Helmuth became the youngest person executed for treason in Germany.

You see now why I consider these 3 boys more admirable than the White Rose? They were so much younger, and didn't have the experience, the resources, the group support, the possibility of networking with other resistance cells, or even the anti-Nazi parents, like the Scholls and their friends did. It only took a kid with a strong sense of right and wrong, a radio, and a typewriter borrowed from church to write pamphlets on. Why are they not as known and celebrated, I can't fathom, but probably it's been a matter of exposure. They haven't got as much publicity.

What I admire the most about the The Lord Lister Detective Agency (they started as a boys's pretend-play sleuth agency, it's a detail I find endearing), besides their youth and bravery, is that they weren't politically motivated and they never changed their stance. They weren't opposed to Nazism because they were of a different political persuasion, and they didn't first go along with the flow first and then changed their mind. Not that there's anything wrong with realising you were wrong and indoctrinated to believe immoral ideologies and changing accordingly, but these kids realised what was wrong in their world pretty early, at around twelve years of age, and they did so because of the teachings of their faith. Sadly, they were disowned by the leader of their church when sentenced, Hübener was excommunicated basically, and yet they stood firm and paid the price.

It's an uncommon and astouding story you should read. They deserve to be more known, far, far more known.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this book was about three LDS teenagers who stood up to Hitler during Nazi Germany, but I always thought it seemed logical that some Mormon kids would do that. Why would any Mormons NOT stand up against Hitler, right? Wrong! It was fascinating (and terrifying) to learn what Nazi Germany was like, even for members of the church. There was a branch president who put up a sign banning anyone with a Jewish heritage from entering the building. Members thought that Hitler was called of God, there to bring Germany back into it's rightful place in the world and rebuild the country. People prayed for Hitler to be blessed and guided during the opening prayers in Sacrament Meeting. They would quote the twelfth Article of Faith which says "We believe in honoring, obeying and sustaining the law". They even tied family history work in with finding out which people had Jewish bloodlines. And those who didn't go along with the Nazis were usually too terrified to say anything for fear of the Gestapo. It wasn't like Mormons were hanging out together, talking about how to show a united front against evil Hitler. It was the opposite. When someone disappeared from the congregation to a reeducation camp, people would shake their heads and scoff and wonder why that person was so unfaithful.

The author pointed out that looking back it's easy to see how evil the Nazis were, and it seems strange to imagine anyone living in that time period not seeing it as well. But it snuck up on them, a little bit at a time. For these boys to do what they did (write up anti-Hitler handbills and secretly distribute them on bulletin boards and in apartment buildings - with news they had gotten from an illegal radio, listening to BBC broadcasts) showed an incredible amount of free thinking and integrity. All the news they heard from their own country made it sound like things were going great, and they had an unstoppable army. I've started thinking about what's happening in our country. I hear about communists and ex criminals being placed in key government positions, but I don't do anything about it other than shake my head a little bit. I'm too busy with my own life to do much more than be vaguely aware of what is happening in my country and in my government. I remember reading about Stalin getting into power in the former USSR. Lenin was not a great guy, but he was a lot better than Stalin. When Lenin died unexpectedly (if I recall correctly), they put Stalin in as a temporary leader, to hold them over until they had decided who to really put in charge. He never gave up his power, and millions died. (Lenin had even said that he didn't like Stalin, and to never let him in a position of power because he made him nervous.) It's the same story in so many places in history. A country puts someone rotten (who seems awesome at first) in power, and horrible, terrifying, awful things happen. I can't even comprehend what it's like to not live in a free country, but unless all of us get involved in our political process we may end up in that same boat.

I vote that we all put honest, decent people in power, who believe in individual liberty and freedom. And I recommend this book. It will remind you why you shouldn't be complacent. Also, the hero of the story is named Helmuth, and isn't that a great name? You could name your next kid after him. Or not. Too bad he had a weird name. If he'd had a normal name, I bet a lot of people would be tempted to name someone after him. He was a cool kid. Way to go, Helmuth. I will give you a big old high five someday when I meet you in heaven.

[Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was about three LDS teens that hand out hand bills about the truth of Hitler and the Nazis. The main characters were Rudi Wobbe, Helmuth Huebener, and Karl-Heinz the 3 German LDS teens fight for freedom. My favorite character was all three of the LDS teens. There was a times when robbers try to get away from the law and hide and one day 2 robbers came by our school and we had to be on lock down it felt like i was in jail for an hour. The 3 LDS teens have been to jail. They hated what Hitler had done to Germany. I really like this book because I am LDS and we have rights to make our own choices. My favorite part in the book is when Rudi gets free and gets a gun from the French guards and gave it to some one else. If i want to Change something I change i wish their was not a underworld Nazi in Utah I hate the Nazis so bad. And I also like the part when Rudi knocks a guy with a knife out. I recommend this book to the People that are LDS and people that want to learn the gospel from us. any one who likes LDS and world war 2 books. Please there is hope in life and i know that the gospel is real and we can give hope of faith and I say these things by the name of our Savior named Jesus Christ Amen.

[Kathryn Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I had heard about these three teenage German boys and how they were arrested for distrubuting anti-Nazi leaflets, and had seen the Documentary, but this was the first book about it I have read. It was gripping, to say the least. This book is written by Rudi Wobbe so it is from his perspective and about his specific experience. This book gave me a whole new appreciation for those who had the courage to fight against the Nazi regime and paid the ultimate price. I wonder if I would have had the courage to do the same. Both heart pounding & heartbreaking.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I have long wanted to read a true story from the perspective of a German citizen in WWII. This fit the bill. Rudi shares powerful and poignant stories about this experiences. Coming in at under 200 pages, it's also a quick read!

If you like WWII history, but get squeamish when reading books that take place in concentration camps, this book may be a good fit for you. Though Rudi was 100 percent a victim of the Nazis and suffered many injustices, his prison was a work camp, not a death camp. There were no gas chambers, crematoriums, piles of bodies, etc. There were some beatings and executions, but the descriptions were not super graphic. May be friendly to younger readers as well (Jr high or so).

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives great insight into how the preponderance of the German society was seduced by promises of national grandure and recruited (by force and terror) into the NAZI cause. A very worthwhile read!

The description of living in a tattle-tale society is similar to that in Orwell’s "1984". Interrogation and cruel mistreatment of prisoners also echo similar accounts in "The Long Walk" and Soltzenitzen’s "Gulag Archipelago” and " Inner Circle". Such a society should be anathema to any freedom-loving person.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a little bit slow at first but once I got into I I couldn’t put it down. I will never stop being surprised at how humans can treat other humans. Great read.

[Amiee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the few books I've read, and not cared about the writing style at all. It is a true story about three Mormon teenagers in Nazi Germany. The boys knew that the Nazis were evil, and so they used their church's typwriter and paper to type anti-Nazi flyers, which they would then post all over the city. Inevitably, they are discovered and interrogated and tortured by the gestapo. The boys all recieve lengthy prison sentences, except for the leader. Helmut Huebner was brought before a triad of judges known as "The Blood Tribunal" for the red robes they wore. Huebner, though only a teenager, is given a death sentence.
It is a truly amaing story, all the more so for it's truth. These young men displayed inspirational courage in the face of the greatest evil of the 20th century, and did not compromise themselves before it. This story will touch you, no matter what your faith.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful biography! I remember now that my grandmother bought it for me when I was 14, and this is the book I've been trying to remember the title of for 6 months. It is a life changer. Focuses on core values, fighting for right and freedom, and trusting in God. All the while giving lots of great German centered WWII experiences.
My only critique is that I wish he would have had a professional writer help. It could have used a really good editor for order, sentence structure and word choice. With that it could have been a national bestseller. But regardless, the experiences are so powerful and his message so wise and moving it is well worth your time.

[Francie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this fascinating story many years ago after finding it on my mother-in-law's bookcase. She said that Rudi Wobbe was somehow related to my husband's family (turns out his daughter is married to Ken's cousin) and that it was a true story. This is a wonderful account of three teenage boys in Nazi Germany who stand up to the Nazi regime. It is a story that has become even more personal to me this past year as my son Caleb played the role of Helmuth Hubener in the movie "Resistance Movement".

[Anneliese · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a captivating story. it's hard for me to really feel like i understand how the people in the book feel about many things because my life has been so different. i hope that i'm never in a position to really empathize.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three LDS youth choose not to be Hitler youth. They are not well received by their peers, and yet they are valiant to what they think is right. This book causes reflective thinking...would I stand up for truth? Would I look at my options or just go with the flow?

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 2 days. A quick read but very powerful. I admire his enduring love for his friend, respect him for the horror he lived through, and hope I could continue a worthwhile life despite the terrible experiences he had to endure.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing story of a young german boy (15)and his friends who rebel against Nazism during WWII. Amazing story.

[Nate Bringhurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is clearly written by an amateur and its sometimes hard to understand what is going on. But it is such an amazing story its easy to forget about the poor writing.

[Mayde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love factual recountings from the holocaust era. The writing wasn't phenomenal but it was neat to read about that time period from an LDS German perspective.

[June Guymon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was slow at times, but is a good look at the evil that Hitler proposed. It is also a book of forgiveness, perserverance, and true friendship.

[Camille]

great book. a must read. eye-opener :)

[Thara Tenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad the toil of writing this was endured to document this history. These three young boys are my heroes. Many good lessons within these pages. I read this to my boys.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredibly moving story of one young boy's experience of Nazi brutality during WW2.

The depravity of the Nazi regime knew no bounds. They were a cult of death. The fact that people not only survived the ravages of WW2 from the inside-as a German who defied the authorities-is a testament of the indomitable will of the human spirit.

This is an inspiring story of faith and positive attitude,and although the subject matter is grim, is suitable for 7th grade and up.

Rudi and his 2 friends listened to the banned BBC broadcast one night, in Hamburg Germany. They then printed the information from the broadcast, and secretly deposited them in mailboxes, coats, and billboards. For this crime, Ruddi was sentenced to prison for 10 years. He was 15 years old. His friend, Helmuth Huebener, wrote the actual pamphlets. He was sentenced to death by beheading. He was 17 years old.

[Nola Tillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this book when I was in my 20s and it stuck with me. It's an interesting perspective on Nazi Germany, one from the eyes of young members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). What stuck with me as a new convert, 20 years ago, was the idea that some members had that they were supposed to support the government NO MATTER WHAT, a principle proven patently false by the Nazi regime.

Reading it again, now in my 40s, what sticks with me is the courage and conviction of those so young. Now I dint only wonder what I would do at their age, but also, did I teach my children these principles?

The biography isn't impressively well-written; like most 90s LDS writing, it really doesn't take a lot of skill to be published. But the account is important, I think, and thus worth reading.
(To be clear, it's not poorly written, it's just not as polished as it could be IMO. It's not distracting, however. )

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a riveting story of three teenage German boys who dared to defy Hitler in the early days of WWII and their terrifying consequences. I enjoyed reading in general about the German people, their behaviors before and after the war, their political sympathies, and the aftermath of Nazi rule. The book is really about only one of the boys. It talks about the other two but not in as much detail. We don’t get their full story. I would have liked more information about them. I would have appreciated more photos as well. The photos on the front cover are not mentioned anywhere in the book, and I wanted to know which boy was which. I did grow to love Rudi and his story. I love a book about ordinary people doing extraordinary things and being humble enough to not even realize how remarkable they are.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teenager Rudi and his three friends lived in Germany in 1937. They also belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Helmuth has access to a radio and they begin to listen to what is really happening with the Jewish population. Rudi and his friends are constantly being asked to join the Hitler Youth, but they feel that Jesus would not treat others the way their Jewish neighbors are being treated. Being in much danger, they choose to print handbills with short commentary like "The time has come now, the Anti-Christ has established his "Reich."

Someone tells on them, and they are arrested, tried, and sent to prison. It is really interesting to see how people acted during this time. What would I have done? So glad this story was put into words. We are routing for these boys throughout the story, and without giving anything away, some of it ends tragically.

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The true story of three german teenagers during WOII who start up their own resistance movement, and get caught, being dragged in front of the Nazi's Blood Tribunal.

A beautiful inspirational story about fighting for what's right even when under severe oppression, and even when being shunned and despised by those who ought to have your back.

A story everyone ought to have read, and which will, I think, especially speak to fellow christians, due to the boys confessedly having been inspired by the values they learned thanks to their faith.

Coarse language: mild, derogatory towards jews and christians
Violence & gore: extreme violence, due to the nature of the setting, no-to mild gore
Sexual content: none

[Jeff Birk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book about three young men who stood up to Nazi Germany rule during WWII. They were convicted of handing out leaflets which had news of the war they heard on the BBC, true news and accounts which was obviously forbidden to do in Germany. One of the young men (Helmut) was executed as a teen and this was a true loss as you got to know his skills/talents. He would have made an incredible contribution to humankind had he lived. Inspiring story as the other two friends made it through prison and out the other side of the war, eventually migrating to America. I only wish it wasn't told in the first person. May have been a five star rating from he had it been written like a novel. Would make a great movie.

[Brent Winslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up from a general cleanup of my grandparents home prior to selling. The most interesting part of the true story of 3 LDS teens in Nazi Germany opposing the illegitimate government was related to how politics influenced church services, from members of the church considering Hitler the Savior of Germany, to others suggesting the strong genealogical efforts of the church were paralleled in the Nazi's demand for Aryan descendancy.

As a warning to our day, being able to see beyond the simplistic, regimented, structured indoctrination of 2017's US regime, and catching a broader vision of the truth that exists beyond party, and beyond borders, is equally critical.

[Aneesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short read, I listened to the audio version while pruning trees and it kept me busy the whole time! I even got a sunburn 🥵. The story is compelling, the author tells what he saw and what he heard, not embellishing with speculation which I appreciated. I learned a lot about what life was like for him growing up in Germany and how he was treated by the Nazi regime. I would totally recommend this to anyone interested in learning about this. There were some descriptions of violence but they weren't triggering for me. (Not sure whether this was due to the calm reading of the narrator or the writing style)

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each of these stories of individual heroism, strife, and conflict during the world wars are inspiring. I can’t even imagine living life this way. I think of how inconvenienced I feel when the power is out for a few hours. Or when the ice machine is empty. Or when my favorite cookie flavor is sold out at the maverick. Then remembering how these amazing people lived everyday in the worst of circumstances, and usually due to oppression or occupation. To add the component of faith to this particular story goes even further. I honestly can not get enough of these stories.

[Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. It gives insightful first-person insight into how Germany was before and during WW2. It is not for the faint of heart considering the dark turn it takes soon after the book starts. I personally really enjoyed it because of the trials you got to see Rudi overcome throughout the book. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in WW2, and that area of history in general.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about Rudi Wobbe and his two friends that dared to distribute anti-Natzi propaganda during World War II. They were German teenagers at the time and were eventually caught. I thought Rudi's story was compelling and interesting. I have not read many books about native German resistance during WWII. Rudi, Helmuth and Karl-Heinz were all heroes, in my eyes, and very courageous.