Speaker Series – Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, the unknown German WWII hero

Presented by Philip Rosenfield, this is the story of an unknown World War II hero. It is the story of a man with the power and authority to make a difference, who decides to act, not to turn away from danger.

Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, Director of the Abwehr, German Military Intelligence, was one of the most powerful men in the Third Reich. He was the keeper of the most important secrets.

When he sees that the Nazi leaders are paranoid murderous lunatics, Canaris plots a coup attempt for September 14, 1938. Hitler was arrested on that day. It looked like nothing could have stopped Canaris’ plans. But the British naively interfered.

Frustrated Canaris begins to surreptitiously send Nazi invasion plans to the western Allies. This subverts Hitler’s plans. Until Canaris is found out, he successfully sends to England, the Nazi’s plans for the invasion of England. He provides the Spanish with information to block Germany. At the same time, he needs to outfox the head of the security police, the Gestapo, Reinhard Heydrich. Heydrich is not only his rival but also his next-door neighbor in suburban Berlin.

And what better to place to hide than in a house of secrets.

Canaris is eventually found out, jailed and murdered. In his own defense, Canaris declares his mission is to save his country. His sacrifice helps lead to the defeat of Nazi Germany.

Presented by Philip Rosenfield