Rudolf Hess was born 130 years ago today, in Alexandria, Egypt on 26 April 1894 and moved to Germany when he was fourteen. On 1 July 1920, Hess joined the newly created Nazi party after hearing Adolf Hitler speak at a beer hall in Munich. He became the party’s 16th member. When he met Hitler, he said he felt ‘as though overcome by a vision.’ Shy and insecure, he virtually worshipped Hitler and became fanatically devoted to him. To demonstrate his loyalty, Hess flung himself into Nazi party activities, enthusiastically participating in brawls with Communists who tried to break up Hitler’s speeches. Hess was right by Hitler’s side for the Beer Hall Putsch. While serving his prison sentence for the attempted coup with Hitler at Landsberg Prison, he assisted Hitler with writing his book “Mein Kampf”, which became a foundation of the political platform of the Nazi Party. On 21 April 1933, he was made Deputy Führer, a figurehead position with mostly ceremonial duties, and remained Hitler’s right-hand man throughout the 1930s.

“Outwardly so hard, he is touchingly soft within…What a mixture of cold, mature calculation combined with unbridled boyishness!” -Rudolf Hess regarding Adolf Hitler

When saluted by Hess, Hitler often retorted fondly with the phrase “Heil Hess.” This affectionate return salutation was reserved by the Führer solely for his Deputy.

Hess and Hitler shortly after their release from Landsberg Fortress.

“Hess loved Hitler. This is the essential key, without which his life story becomes incomprehensible. He adored Hitler. Whatever faults he may have discerned in him and however the more sensitive side of his nature may have recoiled from the abominations later associated with his idol, like a woman who knows her man is guilty yet loves him despite all, so Hess loved Hitler.” (Quote from ‘Night Flight to Dungavel: Rudolf Hess, Winston Churchill, and the Real Turning Point of WW2’ by Peter Padfield)