Countdown to Valkyrie
Subtitle: the July plot to assassinate Hitler
By: Nigel Jones.
Publisher: Frontline Books
Published: 2008
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 308
ISBN-13: 9781848325081
Subjects: Hitler, Adolf, -- 1889-1945 -- Assassination attempt, 1944 (July 20); Schenk von Stauffenberg, Klaus Philipp, -- Graf, -- 1907-1944; Conspiracies -- Germany -- History -- 20th century; Germany -- History -- 1933-1945; Germany -- Politics and government -- 1933-1945
Description: Although there were more than 40 plots to assassinate Adolf Hitler, none came closer to success than the July Plot of 1944. The attempt was masterminded by Count von Stauffenberg, a member of the German General Staff, who had been rushed back from Africa after losing his left eye and right hand. For his injuries, he had been decorated as a war hero. Never a supporter of Nazi ideology, he was increasingly attracted by the approaches of the German resistance movement. After a attempt to assassinate Hitler in November 1943 failed, Stauffenberg developed a new plot to kill him at the Wolf's Lair Headquarters on 20th July 1944. Besides the Fuhrer's assassination, Stauffenberg organized plans to take over command of the Germany forces and sue for peace with the Allies. The attempt ultimately failed. Only one bomb was detonated and Hitler was only injured: his life was probably saved because the bomb, hidden in Stauffenberg's suitcase, had been placed behind a heavy table leg which reduced the impact of the blast. The author dissects the lead up to the attempt, the events of the day in minute-by-minute detail, and the aftermath in which the conspirators were hunted down.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.