MAURICE BAVAUD
He was
a Swiss theology catholic student and
was a member of anti communist group in France, The leader of the group Marcel
Gobohay told him that he belonged to the dynasty of Romonovs and that once communists are overthrown Romonovs wouldl
rule again in Russia and he truly believed. He was of firm opinion that Hitler was
dangerous to Swiss independence and must be killed. He took the job for
himself. He traveled from Britanny to Baden,,, Baden. He purchased a 0.25
semi automatic pistol. He wanted to shoot Hitler during the celebrations of
anniversary of 1923 beer hall putsch. He attended the parade posing as a
Swiss journalist having purchased a seat in front row, but he did not shoot as Hitler
was parading with other Nazi leaders. He feared that he would injure Hitler. and
not kill him. He tried for a personal audience with Hitler a by forging a
letter of introduction from a prominent person, but this did not materialize. He spent away his money
and he boarded a train to go to Paris. The conductor of the train handed over
him to Police. He was interrogated by Gestapo and he agreed that he was trying
to kill Hitler. He was tried on Dec 18, 1939. He was sentenced to death. Swiss Ambassador to
Germany condemned the incident and said they have nothing to do with him. The Germans
tried to exchange him with a German spy held by the Swiss govt but that was not
accepted. Finally he was guillotined on May 14, 1941.After WW II, his father
Alfred tried to restore honor of his son and after legal battles in 1956
posthumously he was freed from all Nazi charges and 1955 court sentence of five
Years term. His family was compensated by CHF 40000. Swiss govt in 2008 erected
a small memorial in his native place having realized that they did not make efforts
to save him.
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