Hitler in Seinen Bergen and Jugend Um Hitler, by Heinrich Hoffmann. “Hitler in Seinen Bergen” is a 96 page book published by Heinrich Hoffmann in 1935 with a foreword by Hitler Youth leader Baldur von Schirach. It contains an incredible compilation of 86 of Hoffmann’s photographs of Hitler “resting” at the Berghof: playing with his dogs, hiking in the snow, and hanging out with locals in his neighborhood. This collection of pictures provided a thorough and excellent overview of Adolf Hitler’s “unofficial” life in the one place he continually found peace and refuge from all the complications and pressures associated with statesmanship. Jugend um Hitler “This pictorial work is a typical example of the Nazi German propaganda item. It reflects how the public’s attitude towards Adolf Hitler was manipulated through the publication and dissemination of corresponding photographs, by introducing a kind-hearted, child-loving father figure and documenting the enthusiasm of the youth for him. The highly illustrated photobook, with a number of Adolf Hitler portraits, was compiled and edited by Heinrich Hoffmann, Reich reporter of the NSDAP, with forewords by Baldur von Schirach, youth leader of the Third Reich.”

Neef served with the Aufklärungs Abteilung 3 – 21st Panzer Division  In 1944, he was a Feldwebel and was killed in August 1944 in Beuvrigny.  The 21st Panzer Division of the German Army was heavily engaged in defensive battles around the British and Canadian sectors (specifically Sword and Juno beaches) during the Battle of Normandy in June and July 1944. The small village of Beuvrigny is located significantly west of this main engagement area, near the American sector, suggesting the division was likely not present there until the later stages of the campaign (late July/August) or was part of smaller, specific movements. 21st Panzer Division’s Role in Normandy Initial Engagement Area: On D-Day (June 6, 1944), the 21st Panzer Division was the only German armored division positioned close enough to the coast to launch an immediate counterattack. This attack occurred north of the city of Caen, between the British Sword and Canadian Juno beaches, in an attempt to drive a wedge to the sea and push the Allies back. The counterattack failed with heavy losses due to Allied naval gunfire, air superiority, and determined resistance. Defense of Caen: For the rest of June and into July, the division was a core component of the tenacious German defense around Caen, preventing a British and Canadian breakout for over a month. Movement to the West: As the battle progressed and American forces achieved a breakthrough in the west during Operation Cobra in late July, German forces, including remnants of the 21st Panzer Division, were shifted to defend against the Allied advances and were eventually encircled in the Falaise Pocket in August 1944. Beuvrigny is located in the general area the battle moved into as the front line shifted west and south.