From the archive: Hitler’s narrow escape, 21 July, 1944

Published on 21/07/2012 00:00

THE world outside Germany, and then the German people, heard in broadcasts from the Reich last night that an attempt was made yesterday on Hitler’s life by the use of “high-explosives”.

Hitler received slight burns and concussion.

Several of his officers were injured, some severely. The first news of the assassination attempt was given by the German News Agency in an overseas transmission. The announcement (as quoted by Reuter) said: “An attempt on the life of the Führer was made with high-explosives to-day. Hitler received light burns and concussion but no injuries. He at once began to work again. He then received Mussolini for a long meeting, as previously arranged. At 6:30 last evening the German home radio broadcast the announcement: “Achtung, we are broadcasting an important announcement. Attempt to murder the Führer. The Führer not hurt.”