SS Officer's Son Seeks to Break German War Taboo, But Correspondent Sees Long Road Ahead

A former top diplomat, Rüdiger von Fritsch, is attempting to confront a significant taboo in Germany by publishing a book about his SS officer father. Von Fritsch's work delves into the complex legacy of his father, Thomas von Fritsch, who openly acknowledged and defended his Nazi past until his death in 2006.

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Rüdiger von Fritsch has done what many Germans find very difficult. He has said: my father was a Nazi and a good father.

Unlike many Germans who concealed their involvement in the Nazi regime, Thomas von Fritsch openly discussed his values with his children. His son's book, which has spent weeks on Germany's bestseller list, explores this family history and raises the question of whether Germany is beginning to de-taboo its darkest historical chapter.

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In contrast to the vast majority of German Nazis, SS officer Thomas von Fritsch never hid his past from his children, but defended his values - even after the war and until his death.

Berlingske's international correspondent, Solveig Gram Jensen, notes that Rüdiger von Fritsch has done something many Germans find difficult: acknowledging his father was a Nazi and a good father. She observes that the narrative has resonated widely, leading to an overwhelming reception for the book. However, Jensen cautions that despite this resonance, there is still a long way to go before Nazism can be fully de-tabooed in the country.

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It is a story that has resonated with very many Germans, and which has led to an overwhelming reception of his book about his beloved father, SS officer Thomas von Fritsch, who defended his values right up until his death in 2006 and never hid his past from his children.