SS-Sturmbannführer Dr. Heinz Gräfe

[thomas]

Dear all

I have a little confusion:

This man was Leiter Staatspolizeistelle Hohensalza ab 20.11.1939 (Provinz Posen)
and also Leiter Staatspolizeistelle Tilsit from ca. 1939 - ca. 1940 (Provinz Ostpreussen)

Here are the questions:

1. Is this the same man
2. If they are the same man, can anybody tell me the coorect date?
3. Is his name written Gräfe or Graefe. I think it is Gräfe.

Any information would be highly appreciated.

Greetings

thomas

[Phil Nix]

Here are a few nots and a pic
Phil Nix

[thomas]

Dear PhilNix

Thank you very much.

Greetings

thomas

[Shane A Beaver]

I know that this post was from some time ago and I don't particularly want to add to the confusion, but I am currently looking at the Gestapo in Tilsit, and I have to say that there are a number of conflicting points and sources.

Firstly, it appears to be accepted that Grafe succeeded Huppenkothen as Leiter der Stapostelle Tilsit in October 1937. Indeed, he was still at that post when he was appointed commander of Einsatzkommando 1/V in August 1939. This unit was disbanded in November 1939, and here is where the problems begin.

According to one source he was then Leiter der Stapostelle "Hohensalza" from Nov 1939 to June 1940, but I have seen no other evidence to support this. Another source claims that at the end of the Polish Campaign he was recalled to RSHA headquarters in Berlin and made a plenipotentiary for Baltic Affairs. Yet another source suggests that this took place in February 1940, whilst others state that this was in fact in June 1940! However, most researchers seem to agree that Grafe remained at Tilsit until replaced by Hans-Joachim Bohme in October/November 1940. On April 1, 1941, Grafe became head of AMT VI.C of the RSHA. I am perfectly aware that it was common for individuals to assume more than one office at a time, but the Gestapo in Tilsit seems to be a real bone of contention from what I can see!

Secondly, whilst I am relatively certain that Bohme became Leiter der Stapostelle Tilsit in October/November 1940, I believe that there is some confusion as to how long he held the post and who may have replaced him. For example, one source suggests that Bohme left Tilsit on October 25, 1941, but returned to resume the post on December 5, 1942. They further suggest that Theodor Paeffgen "deputised" for him until April 4, 1942, and then Werner Hersmann "deputised" for him until he returned in December 1942. However, I believe that the words "vertreter" (Deputy) and "in Vertretung" (to deputise for) have become somewhat misinterpreted, because from what I can gather Paeffgen was ONLY the Deputy Leiter (vertreter) for Stapostelle "Tilsit" and did not "deputise" for someone in their absence (in Vertretung). Furthermore, Werner Hersmann was Leiter SD-Abschnitt "Tilsit" from March 1941 to May 1942, when he was posted to Einsatzgruppe "D". So, it is my belief that Bohme remained as Leiter der Stapo from Oct/Nov 1940 to Oct 1943 (when replaced by Jahr), with nobody deputising for him!

I do hope that I haven't antagonised anyone or caused any misunderstandings. I'm just trying to get at the truth and/or the facts. So if anyone can unravel these mysteries and solve these little problems, then I would be extremely grateful. Thanks in advance.

[steve248]

The Stand of various Stapo(leit)stelle dated 1 April and 1 Aug 1940, Gräfe listed as Leiter Stapostelle Tilsit.
His SSO says he was posted to the RSHA VI on 28 Sept 1940.
He was not at Stapostelle Hohensalza.

[Shane A Beaver]

Again, that all makes sense to me, Steve. Many thanks

[smetanin albert]

Add Info

[Shane A Beaver]

Excellent! Thanks