Political Guards

The Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler (LSSAH) was a regiment-sized unit of the SS (Schutzstaffel) that served as Adolf Hitler's personal bodyguard. The LSSAH was formed in 1933, shortly after Hitler came to power, and was initially made up of hand-picked SS men who were loyal to Hitler and had proven themselves in combat.

The early members of the LSSAH were drawn from various SS units and other paramilitary organizations, and many had served in the Freikorps, a paramilitary group that emerged in Germany after World War I. The first commander of the LSSAH was Josef "Sepp" Dietrich, a longtime member of the Nazi Party and a former soldier in the German Army.

In the early years of the LSSAH's existence, its primary role was to provide security for Hitler and other high-ranking members of the Nazi Party. However, the unit also served as a symbol of Hitler's power and authority, and its members were often called upon to perform ceremonial duties at Nazi Party rallies and other public events.

During the early years of the LSSAH's existence, the unit was involved in several violent clashes with political opponents, including members of the Communist Party and other left-wing groups. The LSSAH also played a key role in the Night of the Long Knives, a purge of the SA and other potential rivals to Hitler's power in 1934.

As the Nazi Party consolidated its power in Germany, the LSSAH continued to expand in size and influence. By the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the LSSAH had grown into a full regiment, with several battalions and specialized companies. The unit was heavily involved in the invasion of Poland in 1939 and saw combat throughout the war, including on the Eastern Front and in North Africa.

Despite their reputation for loyalty and bravery, the members of the LSSAH were also known for their brutality and involvement in war crimes. Many members of the unit were later convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Nuremberg Trials.

Overall, the early LSSAH guards played a significant role in the rise of the Nazi Party and in the implementation of its policies of terror and oppression. While some members of the unit were undoubtedly motivated by a sense of duty and loyalty, their actions also contributed to some of the darkest moments in human history.