Die Fahne Hoch: Three Biographies of Horst Wessel

Die Fahne Hoch: Three Biographies of Horst Wessel offers a comprehensive look at the life and legacy of Horst Ludwig Georg Erich Wessel, a figure revered within the National Socialist movement. Born in Bielefeld in 1907, Wessel became a prominent brown-shirted Sturmabteilung (SA) member, leading his men against Communist disruptions in Berlin. His leadership posed a significant challenge to the Communist influence in the city, prompting a fatal attack by a Communist assassin. This moment elevated Wessel to martyrdom status within the Nazi narrative. His death was exploited as a rallying point throughout Germany, further immortalized by the Horst-Wessel-Lied, a song he penned that became the anthem of the NSDAP and later the national anthem of the Third Reich.

This collection, titled after the song “Die Fahne Hoch” (“Raise the Flag”), is not merely a historical account but serves as a tribute to Wessel’s sacrifice. The three biographies—by Erwin Reitmann, Fritz Daum, and Max Kullak—offer vivid portrayals of Wessel’s idealism and his profound impact on National Socialist mythology. Through these narratives, Wessel is presented as a symbol of courage and unyielding devotion, an embodiment of the virtues extolled by the regime he served.