Lauterbacher, Hartmann Als HJ-Führer und Gauleiter. Kronzeuge 1923-1945

Born in Tyrol, Hartmann Lauterbacher (1909-1988) led an eventful life. He is regarded as the founder of one of the nuclei of the later Hitler Youth (HJ) in Austria, which he led until he moved to Braunschweig. In his memoirs, he gives a detailed account of his youth and his involvement in the gymnastics and Alpine clubs. In the German Reich since 1929, he describes the "fighting time" in Braunschweig. In the NSDAP Gau Süd-Hannover-Braunschweig he rises to the position of HJ-Gauführer. Later he builds up the Hitler Youth in Cologne. After the Nazi government took over, Lauterbacher became deputy to the Reich Youth Leader Baldur von Schirach, in 1940 Gauleiter of South Hanover-Braunschweig and in 1941 Oberpräsident of the province of Hanover.

He describes numerous meetings with national and international celebrities. After the beginning of the war, he organises air-raid protection in his district, cares for bombed-out people, evacuees and refugees. Captured by the British in 1945, he begins an odyssey through 27 camps and prisons. Again and again he escapes from custody. All the court cases initiated against him ended in acquittals. After
the end of the war, he acts as a government advisor in African and Arab states. The book impresses with its authenticity. Hartmann Lauterbacher neither glorifies nor denies anything. He describes the past as he experienced it and provides answers for all those interested in the comprehensive clarification of contemporary events.