Adolf Hitler’s Commando Order - December 22, 1942

On December 22, 1942, Adolf Hitler issued a directive known as the “Commando Order,” a secret decree during World War II that commanded the execution of all Allied commandos captured behind enemy lines. This order was a direct response to the increasing effectiveness of Allied commando operations, which were designed to conduct raids, gather intelligence, and disrupt German operations.

Context

The establishment of Allied commando units, such as the British Special Air Service (SAS) and the United States Army Rangers, posed a significant threat to Axis military operations due to their capabilities in executing specialized, high-risk missions. In the eyes of the Nazi leadership, these commandos represented an irregular form of warfare that merited severe countermeasures. The “Commando Order” was Hitler’s attempt to deter these operations by threatening harsh reprisals.

The Order

The directive stipulated that all Allied combatants considered operating as commandos were to be handed over to the Gestapo and executed immediately, without trial. This applied regardless of whether they were in uniform or had surrendered - a direct violation of the widely respected prisoner of war conventions outlined in the Geneva Convention.

Impact and Response

The implementation of this order led to numerous war crimes, as documented by post-war investigations into Nazi conduct. The order was met with quiet resistance by some German military officers who considered it dishonorable and in violation of traditional military codes of conduct.

Following the war, during the Nuremberg Trials and subsequent tribunals, the Commando Order was pivotal in demonstrating the unlawful conduct of the Nazi regime. It highlighted the regime’s willingness to commit atrocities that contravened international law, significantly impacting the post-war prosecution of German war criminals.

Historical Significance

The Commando Order’s legacy serves as a stark example of the extreme measures the Nazi regime was willing to employ in its attempt to maintain control and suppress opposition. It underscores the moral and ethical breaches committed during the conflict, contributing to the broader understanding of the inhumanity and brutality of the Nazi war strategy, and further solidifying the importance of rules of war to protect combatants from such egregious acts.