Rudolf Hess

Rudolf Hess should not be confused with another prominent Nazi, Rudolf Höß (also spelled Höss or Hoess.)

Early life

Born in Alexandria, Egypt, to a Bavarian Lutheran importer/exporter who thought the school in their little German community was not strict enough, Rudolf was educated by private tutors. The family moved back to Germany in 1908 and he enrolled in boarding school there. Although Hess expressed interest in being an astrologer, his father convinced him to study business in Switzerland. At the onset of World War I he enlisted in the 7th Bavarian Field Artillery Regiment, became an infantryman and was awarded the Iron Cross, second class. He transferred to the Imperial Air Corps (after being rejected once), took aeronautical training and served in an operational squadron at the rank of lieutenant.

Related Topics:
Alexandria, Egypt - Bavaria - Lutheran - Switzerland - World War I - Lieutenant

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