Helmut Poppendick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Helmut Poppendick
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 6 January 1902 Hude, Lower Saxony, German Empire
|
| Died | 11 January 1994 (aged 92) |
| Occupation | Doctor |
| Organization |  Schutzstaffel |
| Criminal status | Deceased |
| Conviction(s) | Membership in a criminal organization |
| Criminal penalty | 10 years imprisonment; commuted to time served |
Helmut Poppendick (born January 6, 1902 – died January 11, 1994) was a doctor who worked for the SS during World War II. The SS was a powerful organization in Nazi Germany. After the war, he was part of a trial called the Doctors' Trial. He was accused of very serious actions during the war. He was found not guilty of those specific accusations. However, he was convicted for being a member of the SS, which was declared a criminal group. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison but was released in 1951.
Early Life and Education
Helmut Poppendick studied medicine from 1919 to 1926. He went to universities in Göttingen, Munich, and Berlin. He received his medical license on February 1, 1928.
After getting his license, he worked as a doctor's assistant. He spent four years at a medical clinic in Berlin. From June 1933 to October 1934, he was an assistant medical director at another hospital in Berlin. He was a specialist in internal medicine.
Joining the Nazi System
In 1932, Poppendick joined the NSDAP, also known as the Nazi Party. He also joined the SS (Schutzstaffel). In 1935, he completed special training in "race studies" at a research institute.
After this training, he worked for the Reich Ministry of the Interior. This was a major government department in Nazi Germany. He also became a chief of staff for an SS office. This office focused on population policies and health. In 1937, this office became the SS Main Race and Settlement Office. Poppendick was a leader in its genealogical department.
Role During World War II
When World War II began, Helmut Poppendick joined the army. He worked in a medical department. He took part in the attacks on Belgium, France, and the Netherlands.
In November 1941, he joined the Waffen-SS. This was the combat branch of the SS. In 1943, he was chosen to lead the personal staff of the Reich Physician SS. He reached the rank of Oberführer in the SS. This was a high rank, similar to a senior colonel.
See also
- Doctor's Trial
- Nazi human experimentation
