Eva Braun will forever be remembered as the person closest to the heart of Adolf Hitler. To call her his mistress is not necessarily true. A mistress is usually a secret lover to a married man. Books have been written about the extra marital affairs of American generals and presidents all of whom had spoken wedding vows. Adolf Hitler believed his role as leader of the German nation need take precedence over his personal life. He worried too that if the public knew about his devoted 'girlfriend' that she and her family would be put in grave danger. His very long relationship with Eva Braun remained a well kept secret until the very end. The OSS and the Soviet secret service investigated rumours about a secret woman in Hitler's life, but the files are still withheld from the public 68 years later. She is mentioned in his will dated 1938 and by one account of an incident involving her father in 1937 and a promotion he did not receive because he was not a party member. There are several books written about her and there has been the release of a diary that defies belief in its validity.But the person behind the stories and the few available photos remains a mystery.

By all believable accounts they were faithful to each other and other than secrecy carried on a normal relationship. Hitler was seen in the company of many beautiful women and celebrities and daily received letters of adoration .Outrageous propaganda tales of fetishes and perversions persist in the minds who wish to think the worst of the man Hitler. Most of the wild stories originated with former "friends" or employees that left Germany and were more than happy to sell wild stories to the press or work for the Allies propaganda departments. Those who knew the couple recognized a tenderness that the world and particularly most of the German people had no idea was possible. Of the tens of thousands of photos of Adolf Hitler few show him smiling. The world press suppressed all photos of Hitler playing with children and animals because it did not fit into the image they wished to project of madman intent on murder and world conquest. The notion that he could care deeply about a woman would humanize him. Eva was like many who met him or heard him speak in the early days, completely captivated by him. But the man who could inspire millions, speak in front of hundreds of thousands and command the greatest army since the Spartans was frightfully shy in one on one conversation with women; women such as American ambassador William Dodd's wild daughter Martha, and the Englishwoman Unity Mitford. Unity is a fascinating story worth reading, but suffice it to say she became a friendly companion to Hitler and gave him her insight into her native England.She was an ardent Nazi supporter and in one laughable account gave birth to twin sons fathered by Hitler. Few who knew her have betrayed her confidence. Those who have been interviewed reveal Eva was intelligent and charming, a thoughtful friend, athletic and witty. Many of her personal possessions, looted by scavenging soldiers continually sell at auction around the world. A look through her things shows no opulent, gaudy jewels such as queens and movie stars are known for.The girl from Bavaria retained her humility. She spent most of her time waiting to hear from or see her man. The Berghof house was also unusual in it's simplicity. World leaders often attempt to impress through extravagance and this was not the case with Hitler's mountain retreat.

While those around Hitler took full advantage of the abundance of women seeking favors Hitler and his long companion Herman Göring remained faithful to their chosen partners. Göbbels and the various Gauleiters and even the foreign press chief "Putzi" Hanfstaengl indiscriminately bed the available women without conscience. Hitler, pressed by the affairs of state chose to deny himself affairs of the heart. He eventually moved Eva from her apartment in Munich to the security of the remote retreat house at the Berghof. Her many lonely days were spent entertaining her sister Gretl or her best friend Herta. Many photos of Gretl and Herta are misidentified as Eva even at this writing. Later Herta brought her children and both Eva and Adolf found time to enjoy their company. Eva's hobby as a photographer was indulged by Hitler and he supplied her with fine Hasslebald film cameras and even her own movie camera. Her movies are now available on DVD for purchase.She had learned to develop and print her own film and enjoyed doing so. She delighted in taking photographs and frequently composed photo albums to give as gifts. Unfortunately many of these, (approximately 33) are still in the possession of the United States government and have never been copied and released for public view. Sources for my collection vary. I have purchased many photos of unknown origin and have scanned photos from magazines and books as well as making screen captures. I have every reason to believe the photos I have presented here are public domain, however if anyone knows of restrictions or copyright ownership concerning any of these images please inform me and I will immediately remove them.

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I enjoy looking at the life of this fascinating woman who devoted herself to a man who undoubtedly will be despised for all time by those who see him as a personification of evil. She was willing to follow him to the grave and so many romantic notions have evolved. Some still insist she was hypnotized by his charisma and other may thing she was merely a gold digger enamored with a rich and powerful older man. The fact that she was his loyal girlfriend and lover during the low points of 1932 discredits that notion. I don't judge her, but I continue to find her alluring in a way like the song of the mermaid and will continue to collect images she either took or appears in.

I can recommend the following books for insight into this unique woman;

First; "Eva Braun, Hitler's Mistress" by Nerin E. Gun A definitive biography meticulously researched at a time when those who knew her were still alive.

Second; Until the Final Hour by Traudl Junge An autobiography by the young secretary to Hitler who spent every day with him, typed his final testament and was close enough to hear the gunshot and smell the 'bitter almond' in the bunker when Adolf and Eva met their end.

Third; Hitler's Women by Guido Knopp A 2001 publication with an interesting overview of the women in Hitler's life and the many stories about them.

I suggest that the bogus Eva Braun Diary be ignored unless you have read the book by Nerin Gun.

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