Third Reich Day by Day: July 1938

Though the early years of World War II saw a string of German military triumphs, 1938 was probably the most successful year for Adolf Hitler. The removal of Blomberg and Fritsch ensured the total loyalty of the army, which de facto became an unthinking tool of Hitler’s will. On the international front the union of Austria and the Sudetenland with the Third Reich was a stunning coup, and one achieved without firing a shot. At home Hitler was viewed as a genius, a leader who could do no wrong and who had kept his promise to bring ethnic Germans back into the Reich.

July

Germany, Resistance

Carl Gördeler, ex-Mayor of Leipzig, goes to London but fails to convince the British of the strength of anti-Hitler resistance. Chamberlain visits Hitler at Berchtesgaden to consult with him on Czechoslovakia.

11 July

Sports, Great Britain

The International Motorcycle Six Day Trials is held at Donnington Park in England. It is won by the SS motorcycle team made up of Mundhenke, Patina, Knees and Zimmermann.

When the SS-emblazoned green leather-clad team marched up to receive the Adolf Hühnlein Trophy and gave the Hitler salute, a loud raspberry was blown by the director of the British team.