Hans-Dietrich Ernst facts for kids

Hans-Dietrich Ernst (born November 3, 1908, in Opole; died March 1991) was a German lawyer. During World War II, he held important positions in the German government, including a role in occupied France.

Who Was Hans-Dietrich Ernst?

Hans-Dietrich Ernst was a German official who worked in law and government. He was involved in the administration of areas occupied by Germany during World War II.

Early Life and Education

Hans-Dietrich Ernst studied law. After finishing his studies, he began working in cities like Hamburg and Berlin. In 1939, after Austria became part of Germany, he worked for the government office that managed this change. He was promoted to a government councilor in Hamburg in 1940. Later, he became a senior government official.

Role During World War II

During World War II, Hans-Dietrich Ernst worked in areas that Germany had taken control of. His roles involved managing parts of the war administration.

Working in Occupied France

In 1941, Hans-Dietrich Ernst was an advisor for police matters in Bordeaux, France. By June 1942, he became a commander of the security police and SD (a security service) in Angers, France. In this role, he was involved in organizing the movement of people from Angers in July 1942. He left Angers in August 1944 as Allied forces advanced. He then spent some time in the Vosges region of France.

Life After the War

After World War II ended, Ernst was held by United States forces, but he managed to escape. He went into hiding in Leipzig. However, he was later arrested by the Soviet forces who occupied that area.

He was sentenced to twenty years of forced labor. From 1947 to 1956, he was held in a labor camp called Vorkuta Gulag.

Returning to Civilian Life

In early 1956, after his release, Hans-Dietrich Ernst moved to Leer, Germany. He had to pay a fine and was told not to travel to France. He was not allowed to work in public service again. From 1958, he worked as a lawyer in Leer. By 1964, he also became a notary, which means he could legally witness signatures on documents. In 1962, the CIA, an intelligence agency, was looking for him as a person of interest.