Erich Kempka
| Erich Kempka | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
16 September 1910 Oberhausen, Germany |
| Died | 24 January 1975 (aged 64) Freiberg am Neckar, West Germany |
| Allegiance |
 Nazi Germany
|
| Service/branch |
 Schutzstaffel
|
| Years of service | 1932–1945 |
| Rank | Obersturmbannführer |
| Service number | 2,803 |
| Unit |
Allgemeine SS Führerbegleitkommando |
SS-Obersturmbannführer Erich Kempka (16 September 1910 – 24 January 1975) was a member of the SS in Nazi Germany who served as Adolf Hitler's primary chauffeur from 1934 to April, 1945. He was present in the area of the Reich Chancellery on 30 April 1945, when Hitler shot himself in the Führerbunker. Kempka delivered the gasoline to the garden behind the Reich Chancellery where the remains of Hitler and Eva Braun were burned.
Kempka was born on 16 September 1910 in Oberhausen to a miner with ten children. Kempka's paternal grandparents were Ruhr Poles. He worked as a mechanic for the automotive manufacturer DKW.
Kempka joined the Nazi Party on 1 April 1930 as member #225,639. Kempka served as chauffeur for Josef Terboven until 29 February 1932, when, based on Terboven's recommendation, he was tasked as a reserve driver for Hitler's personal entourage.
He became one of the original members of an eight-man squad known as the SS-Begleitkommando des Führers (SS Escort Command of the Führer) assigned with protecting the life of Hitler. In 1934, he was present at the arrest of Ernst Röhm. In 1936, he replaced Julius Schreck as Hitler's primary chauffeur and chief of his car fleet. As his chauffeur Kempka usually drove one of Hitler's black Mercedes cars from a fleet of six to eight which were stationed in Berlin, Munich and other places. Unless in the company of an important person, Hitler would sit in the front, next to Kempka, with his valet behind him. In a cavalcade, Hitler's car would be followed by a second car with the SS bodyguard, then a police car, further a car with his adjudants and physician, and more cars for press agency representatives, stenographers, and provisions. Later, Hitler's car was protected by bulletproof glass and armor plates.
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