The Death of Himmler - Episode 6: Himmler's Gold

What's the link between Himmler's decision to go south, a mountain hideout and a secret gold bullion stash? All will be revealed...
Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; Bundesarchiv; Thomas Quine; TerraX_Bin

[@jimc.goodfellas226]

The events going on around the end of the war are so fascinating and I feel like there's so much we may never know for sure

[@mayomonkey420]

Look up the documentary series Europa: the Last Battle, for a lot of relevant little-known info

[@kayzeaza]

Yeah humans weren’t equipped to remember all of this stuff. We’re so over saturated with things and we feel like we need to be caught up on everything.

[@zmeil]

Yes, the entering of Stalin's troops in Berlin - glorious and ugly moment we, here, in Eastern Europe, will always remember, sadly.

[@jimbochungus]

​@@mayomonkey420highly based

[@Dutchy-1168]

Modern Gold Coins are still a great way to move money

[@krisfrederick5001]

Dr. Felton turns Himmler's gold into our treasure. Ace as always.

[@myparceltape1169]

Ian Fleming had a go at it too and the film elaborated on the idea, possibly thinking of the car containing Oscar and a certain German businessman accorded burial rights in Jerusalem.

[@geraint8989]

And what an epic movie this ‘Death of Himmler’ series would make. If Dr. Felton were able to come to some arrangement with some movie men, perhaps it would be a fitting metaphor if he were to make a cameo appearance as the soldier who blows open the secret vault of gold.

[@RBAILEY57]

Thank you again, Dr. Felton.

[@Swarm509]

Maybe Himmler's real gold was the friends we made along the way?

[@toddjanney]

​@@Swarm509LOL !!!!!!!

[@imathreat209]

This Friday just got even better

[@mrbarrettyt9007]

Hell yeah

[@gregoryemmanuel9168]

Your explanation of events is more than plausible. I appreciated that right from the start you spoke of Himmler’s character and from that point on everything made sense. All the events you described were absolutely in keeping with Himmler’s character. Thank you again Mark.

[@dokkenratt]

Always a compelling storyteller. Hats off to you sir!!

[@tiojimmy3425]

Dr. Mark and fellow viewers. Have a great day and wonderful weekend.

[@DaveSCameron]

you too @tio 🇬🇧👍🏽🍀

[@minus100plus2]

This Himmler series is endlessly fascinating. Thanks for another winner, Dr. Felton.

[@dustylover100]

I'm impressed that you have been finding more on Himmler.

[@glendanison3064]

Perfect end to the week. Workday over, sitting at the bar with a bottle of Heineken, and listening to the most recent of Mark Felton's superb videos.

[@PurpleCat9794]

I'm not finished yet, but I know how it feels!!

[@Sjanzo]

Poor you... Heineken is the poorest of Dutch beers...

[@johnathanadams6378]

@@Sjanzo why don’t you recommend something better, then?

[@damwonstyx1169]

Nice, cold bottle of suds and a bit of history, great destresser after a working week - great channel.

[@glendanison3064]

@@Sjanzo Well, I've had worse and it's still better than draft.

[@evilchaosboy]

Being well aware of Himmler's attention to detail and therefore contingency, I think your theory is very plausible. Although, I think part of his failure was waiting too long before moving on it. I know he thought he could somehow achieve some position of power post war, but I think, perhaps, his belief that his crimes were, in fact, not crimes (in his mind, anyways) was why I believe he delayed putting his departure plans into motion sooner. (A part of the Nazi mind set) Swell show, sir! \m/

[@jakegarvin7634]

Yeah for a guy supposedly so smart you'd think he'd keep his cash closer than that. It's called a go-bag not a go-and-get-it bag

[@charlesjames1442]

Rule #8 in the Con Man’s Handbook: Know when to leave. Have your chips cashed, bags packed and know all the back roads out of town. Because every con falls apart sooner or later.

[@bobcosmic]

Excellent statement !

[@coling3957]

after 13 years of so much power it must have been hard to grasp that he was now irrelevant and simply a criminal on the run. i doubt if many of his SS staff had told him he was regarded as a monster by the Allies.

[@jakegarvin7634]

@@coling3957 I agree with you 100% on that but if he was a monster, he'd know it and not care. His mistake would be thinking he was irreplaceable

[@bullettube9863]

It's always amazed me how petty these crooks really were, despite their claims to be warriors of a new future.

[@kevindavis5966]

Your research into these matters is unparalleled; thank you, Dr. Felton.

[@daviddoran3673]

Note how today isn't so different??? Elensky and his billions??? Biden???

[@FriendlySniperYT]

@@daviddoran3673 Okay mate, please take the tinfoil hat off now.

[@vincentyeo88]

@@daviddoran3673 Everything will be revealed after the special military operation. Patience is a virtue.

[@mitchmatthews6713]

THIS is what a history lesson should be like! Thank you, Mark!

[@BrettonFerguson]

If Himmler wrote down the location and it is in the archives, it might never be found as even fluent German speakers few can read Himmler's handwriting. Cursive gothic script, looks like an EKG.

[@seansamuellee1352]

Or the money was stolen by the Allies or some disgruntled Germans before Himmler ???

[@KonradvonHotzendorf]

I can still read that Read books in gothic🇩🇪 I googled his handwriting

[@macmcguckien5648]

Been looking forward to this, many thanks Mark.

[@jurgenp.schooner8514]

You mentioned that the German High Command had a bit of stir when they captured a map of the post war Germany - is it possible that you could make an episode that covers this reaction? Would be immensely interesting.

[@BillHalliwell]

G’day Mark, I totally agree with your hypothesis regarding Himmler’s plan to head south. A large amount of money is the only reason that I can come up with that would justify Himmler and his small support group taking the risks that they did. The only variables that could not be ‘set in stone’ would be the fragility of communications and travelling conditions within Germany that was crawling with Allied forces. Surely, Himmler would have imagined a scenario where he might not be able to access the Post Office and thereby his stash of gold and banknotes. Despite his chronic hubris, I think Himmler - the cunning planner that he was - would have known full well that access to his money could be cut off the longer he waited. Like you, I’ve read just about everything I could find about Himmler. (I don’t read German). I found him an infinitely more interesting and chilling a character than Hitler or Goering. What I can’t understand is why Himmler didn’t just take the plunge and collect his gold and cash much sooner and flee across the border into Switzerland sometime soon after April 1944, when it was deposited there. Just before or right after Christmas, 1945 would have been good times for Himmler to make a routine, ‘official’ journey down to the Post Office. Being in possession of such a large amount of money would have certainly guaranteed he could buy his ongoing freedom even if Hitler sent a death squad after ‘Himmler the traitor’. With such a fortune, Himmler would have a great deal of security in Switzerland and it would have been possible for him and his inner circle to hole up there until the death or capture of Hitler. He, then would have been at the head of the queue for a quick journey into Italy and a boat to a foreign port that would have seen Himmler get clean away with his freedom and his money. I have never totally accepted the concept that Himmler desperately wanted to become the peacetime leader or a senior cabinet minister in the ‘new Germany’. I fully understand that Himmler had an ego the size of Tirpitz but he was no fool. He might not have viewed himself as being directly responsible for the greatest mass murder of innocent civilians in history; but I’m almost certain he would have envisaged a future where the Allies would have held him responsible, especially in the absence of Hitler. Looking at his capture by the British, considering his stash of money; and his highly suspicious death in the British ‘safe house’. Let’s suppose, for a moment, that the British did inspect Himmler’s mouth properly and they did discover and remove Himmler’s lethal pill. Could Himmler have given away, or hinted at, the location of his gold and cash as a means of buying his freedom from British detention? Did one of the British officers figure out where his money might have been and then ‘engineer’ Himmler’s demise; using his own ‘L Pill’, so they could collect the stash for themselves? Speculating further; did one of Himmler’s support group, who knew the location of the stash, do a deal with one, or more, of the British to do away with Himmler and lead them to the Post Office for a share of the money? It’s pretty much safe to guess that the British would, then, not have known the money had already been discovered by the Americans. As with all intriguing mysteries, the deeper one delves the more questions and possibilities arise. Forgive me, Mark. I’ve presented these suggested events without consulting my Himmler reference books so, there might be a couple of timeframe holes in this comment. I just wanted to dash off a set of thoughts I’ve had on the whole Himmler issue for a long time now and this is my first attempt at putting it down in writing. Perhaps you agree with me, and many others, who consider Himmler to have been the most dangerous individual in Europe; in many ways far more, directly, menacing than Hitler himself. Many of Hitler’s rambling, generalised orders were flat out ignored by regional and battlefield commanders. Yet a single phone call or a signature from Himmler could mean the utter destruction and murder of entire communities. Himmler’s inhuman orders were never, as far as I can tell, disobeyed. Thank you so much for your excellent series of videos on Himmler. Cheers and all the best, Bill H.

[@Pembo-vn7qq]

Wonderful, well thought out comment

[@mike-cl7pb]

Any of them could have cut and run earlier but did any actually do so none spring to mind so Himmler would have been the least likely to. It would be worth studying how those who did get to South America managed to and their connections and locality to the leading Nazi hierarchy since any planned route would inevitably been open to them too.

[@spectrum10]

My understanding is that most of the Nazi gold was stored in caves.

[@ericwalstrand3512]

Having served 30 years in the Coast Guard, I thought I was fairly well versed in Coast Guard history, but this is the first I've heard of the CG having a role in this .

[@tomhenry897]

It was his civlin job that got him this job not sure why cg instead of army politics

[@ericwalstrand3512]

@@tomhenry897 it said he was an attorney with the Treasury department. At the time the CG was in the Treasury Department. I bet as an attorney with Treasury, he probably had experience tracking stuff like this. It's still interesting and I enjoy hearing the roles the Coast Guard played, especially things like this.

[@josephwarra5043]

The Old Timey spooky notes at the end add to the mystery.

[@davidachorn931]

Mark Felton absolutely nails WWII documentaries. Thanks, Mark!

[@romangeneral23]

When the intro music plays. The wife knows not to bother till the end of video!!! Thank you Dr. Felton

[@EdMcF1]

The most shocking point was the autopsy revealing that 'Himmler's are rather similar'.

[@richf5967]

Best comment 😂

[@MarkTheMorose]

Unlike Goebbels...

[@richf5967]

At least Himmler could commiserate with Goering

[@dexteroreilly]

Mark your documentaries always make me stop and watch! Reminds me of the old History Channel circa 1996

[@michaelfisher7170]

Brutal. Well done and I cant find a flaw in your argument. It answers the question why did he go south. The cash was there. North offered survival and poverty. South offered possible escape with wealth.

[@ZThompi]

This is hands down my favorite series on this channel! Well done as usual Mark!!

[@SigmaMaleCountMartelus]

Mine as well

[@douglasdaviddillard]

Excellent mini series

[@reerffrrrr]

Mark Felton...you are single handedly the greatest historian of the tech modern future. I love your work and thank you for keep the lessons of men and women alive. Thank you.

[@thedukeofpaducah9682]

8:32 As someone who collects coins, I could just imagine getting hold of some of those coins.

[@paultownson5444]

20 years ago when I arrived in Brazil I went to a barbecue where someone told me his father had a large boat that had belonged to the conductor of a Berlin orchestra who was Jewish. It had been confiscated and at the end of the war some Germans, presumably Nazis, had sailed it across the Atlantic, beached it along the coast of Rio de Janeiro and disappeared. He didn't mention how much luggage they had.

[@davidmoser3535]

On board were Amelia Erhart and Jim Morrison

[@Carlton-B]

There were only two conductors of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, from 1895-1945, and they weren't Jewish, but conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler (1922-45) was an avid sportsman, he liked sailing, and may have had a yacht. He was quite famous, but not Jewish. The first Jewish conductor is Kirill Petrenko, made conductor in 2015. Still, the story may have happened somehow.

[@donames1438]

@carlton b I initally thought the same thing but realized he said "a Berlin orchestra". I am sure there were probably several orchestras in Berlin at that time, not just the BPO.

[@Carlton-B]

@@donames1438 There may have been others, but I can't think of who they were. The story may involve all manner of garbling over the years.

[@vk2ig]

@@davidmoser3535 And a copper bar - this was the conductor. Later on the boat was used for mysterious sailing trips around the Bermuda Triangle.

[@martin7955]

I'd listen to you all day! What an historian

[@brenryan1]

Doctor Mark Felton never ceases to amaze me with the depth of his research and breadth of his topics. So refreshing after 30 years of History channel type "Historians". Keep up the great work..

[@marcioreis2648]

Once again Mr. Felton you spared no detail trying to solve this enigma. It still has a lot to be discovered. Thank you for your time and the valuable history lesson.

[@booognish]

As someone that is pretty regularly discovering great content and content creators on KZbin, I have to say that this channel may be the best I’ve found in the past year or so.. Most historically oriented channels simply rehash things many of us know, possibly throwing in a new bit here and there, and maybe offering a uniquely enjoyable style/manner of presentation. This channel, however, consistently presents seemingly brand new bits of history, new and fascinating perspectives on old bits of history, and somehow continually offers fresh and new discussions of previously stale and exhaustively covered stories..

[@Kloverkill]

This channel has been the best thing that I've ever accessed on KZbin. What an incredible depth of research and insight.

[@jaybee9269]

Well, there’s Jordan Peterson as well!

[@bugsmasher65798]

Thanks Mark!!! I've been looking forward to this episode since the last! 👍

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Great video as usual Dr. Felton! I still can't figure out why Himmler even thought he had a chance of getting to Bavaria through a country swarming with Allied occupation troops, or why any of his entourage thought they had a chance.

[@alfnoakes392]

Having left his departure as late as he did, he had little choice. And the chaos in recently-liberated /conquered Germany (refugees everywhere etc) was such that a 'smart' and well-connected operator could move around reasonably well ... as is shown by how far his entourage actually got using 'fake' documents etc.

[@raceb697]

Desperate times = Desperate measures, perhaps.

[@matthewwhitton5720]

I think it helps to comprehend his bonkers schemes ( supposing that any Allied power would dare to be caught dealing with a man whose very name approached Hitler’s as a toxic synonym for Nazism,..and, that he’d make his way to freedom through the maze of checkpoints, patrols, random raids etc ) as due to his psychiatric condition. Surrounded and praised by hordes of toadies, lickspittles, ladder-climbers, and sundry kiss-up / kick - down specialists for quite a few years,..he experienced next to no contradiction, and surely was already accustomed to believing that his every whim and fancy was a stroke of genius.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@matthewwhitton5720 Very good analysis! I've also wondered if Himmler was a bit delusional considering how his world had collapsed (although he as well as anyone should have seen it coming) and he was turned overnight from the most feared man in Germany into just another fugitive. It must have done something to his mind-set, having been the hunter for so many years now HE was the hunted.

[@RW4X4X3006]

@@matthewwhitton5720 Yes. The God complex. All too common in the workplace.

[@garymckee448]

You are correct , Himmler might have looked stupid but he was by no means. Thanks 👍 Mark

[@Zebra_3]

he looked stupid, yet the genius got caught.

[@erich2432]

He was no.3 and the architect of the SS for a reason. Though, the people that worked under him actually carried the RSHA and the SS.

[@g.peirano]

Dr. Felton, my family and I really enjoy your videos, history that's not taught in public schools. You have the uncanny ability to provide us with a good history lesson! Keep up the good work!

[@kimdurig1322]

Thanks Mark for another great addition to the series , your research is impeccable .

[@289wolf]

So much of history is written in a one dimensional way concerning the figures that made the history but Dr. Felton fleshes out the important characters in a way that is informative and fascinating and your series on Himmler is a case in point. I've been a subscriber for awhile now and am never less than satisfied that I truly know more after each of his history lessons. I so wish I had the pleasure of having a history teacher like Dr. Felton when I was younger.

[@snazz1158]

Mark, you are as meaningful to me as air, and water. Thank you so much for such incredible, quality material. You are unrivaled.

[@musicmanbc9613]

Wow so well researched Mark! Thank you for this series!

[@newt21]

When I think that you can not amaze me more with incredible information you find a way. I’m in awe of your determination and love of history.

[@Krush00]

Really great videos, Mark. Thanks for making them.

[@henriknilsson7851]

Fantastic! A very plausible theory of why he headed south.

[@GarioTheRock]

Fascinating. Tremendous work as always Dr. Felton!

[@Donaldopato]

Just fabulous Dr Felton. We need history like yours.

[@oncall21]

Brilliant research as usual. Thanks for sharing Dr Felton.

[@fordfairlane662dr]

I just happened to be driving home from work and got this notification Max Martin enjoyable ride home when I got Mark Felton coming out of my stereo in my car

[@DaveSCameron]

Great timing 👍🏽

[@terrioestreich4007]

I couldn't wait for the new episode!! As usual, wonderful episode

[@ECAConcepts]

I need those 20 minute episodes back Mark, your my absolute favorite !

[@68Warpigs]

Another fascinating episode Dr.Felton thank you.

[@lawrencestrabala6146]

Great well researched and excellent video as always Dr. Felton. Always love your videos and wait for your next one to drop.

[@maxthomason2905]

Once again, Mark dropping a straight up banger. Awesome work and video.

[@williamknappenberger774]

This channel is always so fascinating and amazing! Thank you for what you do!

[@nodarkthings]

Absolutely fascinating, Dr Felton, thank you.

[@timcurry192]

Six delicious parts to this one. Dr. Felton, you've outdone yourself. Every time I think wow, this period couldn't get any weirder, it does.

[@lelandfranklin3487]

Who wouldn't love to spend an evening just chatting in a pub with Dr. Felton?

[@ray7419]

As always, spot on and amazing research Dr Felton.

[@PabloLaConecta]

One of the best historical channels on KZbin, brilliant stuff.

[@alceered2868]

The series that keeps on giving

[@thelastroman7791]

Just keeps getting better and better.

[@localdude3702]

You always amaze me with the great content Mark Felton! Keep it up!!!

[@Biggspeed]

Another epic episode Mark, Thank you.

[@alexamerling79]

You are the ultimate source on Himmler. Great stuff like always Mark!

[@nordicson2835]

Another awesome post both educational and interesting, thank you.

[@marc1829]

Awesome episode, Doc! I keep thinking of movie plots about alternate endings to your stories, because the level of detail reveals how chancy a lot of established history really was at the time. Looking forward to the next one...

[@allaura64]

Keep following your intuitions Mark, this stuff is gold! Best episode of the series.

[@zer-ok9sn]

Gold you say

[@olejrgensen6784]

Brilliant episode, thanx Dr. Felton.

[@rayoflight62]

Quite a story. Thanks Dr. Felton...

[@yellow_gacha7152]

Fantastic and very informative again, Loving your work..

[@benmarshall787]

Great video Mark, can't wait for the next one.

[@viisteist1363]

rent a box in an office and later try to get back to it? just pure genius indeed

[@Genshinlmpact]

Been waiting for this!

[@pfdrtom]

Love that musical flourish at the end of the video!

[@skelt0r967]

Another great video Mark!

[@drockjr]

Best video of all time Dr. Mark Felton.

[@blomeh]

Spectacular! Another great vid!! 👍🙂❤️

[@missnevenka]

Thank you Dr Felton, for another gem of a video. I can believe this hypothesis as Himmler was an exceptionally thorough man. BTW, the ominous bit of music at the end is a nice touch! 😂

[@The105ODST]

Thanks Mark for the upload. Its gking to be another one to put on my workout playlist.

[@okm58]

Just started my lunch and it’s a new upload! Thanks mark!

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you Mark for your videos of history!

[@MRCHUPA]

Excellent video! Thank you Mark’

[@bigdmac33]

The plot thickens, Watson!! Excellent analysis and reasonable assumptions. This series is riveting.

[@jasongarufi8187]

Thanks Mark for episode 6 into the death of Himmler so fascinating and you theory make a a lot of sense

[@dr.barrycohn5461]

Those ideas male sense. Thank you for this fascinating theory of Himmler's pursuit of cash and gold. Great segment.

[@QinShou96]

I was very inspired by your programmes. Thanks a lot!

[@deborahwebb3598]

Mr. Felton you do a great job with all of your details.

[@kampfgruppepeiper501]

This has been very interesting, we are lucky to have you, a historian who is always digging up the past and bringing light to some of the mysteries of the war. Thank you Mark!

[@mrknowitall126]

Can only imagine the nazi riches still hidden somewhere in the world…or in someone’s attic. Another wicked episode thank you Edit: thanks for the likes ha, seeing as mark might see this comment, could we get a mark Felton special on Ivan the terrible’s true identity? Thanks so much

[@Patrick_Cooper]

There are probably over 1000 people activily searching for that stuff. With the popularity of Metal Detectors today. Everyone in Germany is searching the forests. I am suprised it hasn't been found. But I really believe, someone or group of someone, stole all the gold and more. It is financing the likes of Jeorge Soroos... Note misspelling is on purpose... They started the 20th century wars to fill their pockets with gold. Not money, but cold hard gold...

[@peterpiper_203]

You from the New England?

[@SyntheticVoices]

Yes. Have you heard about the secret nazi gaming console the panzer station 2? Mark made a video about it on my channel no joke ;)

[@flynnlivescmd]

Ive recovered it all stop looking

[@noway57]

I went to a gun show here in Waco last weekend. They had a nazi battle flag stretched out on a table covered in guns. Another guy had patches for sale from the Reich. He had some SS volunteers patches including a Britannia patch; no prices. I was looking for some of the ones Felton had in videos. He had no idea of who Mark Felton was.

[@wesdonze2014]

Excellent series of videos on the end of Himmler. Well researched and presented

[@finnickrinzler8907]

Very interesting indeed. Job well done Dr. Felton. I always look forward to your videos. 👍👍👍

[@jeffreymcfadden9403]

Opening scene, HERMANN FEGELEIN! Doesn't get any better than this!

[@westernjeep4015]

Another excellent production.

[@marcboblee1863]

Love the " who dunitt" music at the end of the clip.....a very nice touch! Thanks for posting this video.....

[@leephillips2837]

I've enjoyed this series greatly. thank you for doing it.

[@VodkaRob]

This has been an absolutely fantastic series. This man from everything that I have seen is quite possibly even more evil than Hitler himself. He seemed to have a very sly side to him and looked like the kind of person who would sacrifice his own mother's life to save his own skin. The world was done a huge favour when this evil was removed from it however that came about. And as you said he would have definitely had a plan or even a few to secure his future. Thank you, your passion for history is infectious. Keep up the great work. ✌️😎

[@himmler.404]

👎

[@MVProfits]

"The world was done a huge favour when this evil was removed from it however that came about." Really ? He would have been executed, FOR SURE. But the world would have learned a lot more before that happened. He took way too many secrets with him to the grave, whether he was offed or really did commit suicide.

[@VodkaRob]

@@MVProfits he may well have taken secrets with him but I stand by the comment. I'm sure that there is a hell of a lot that we will never know about the war in many countries but him being in hell is a fair price for not knowing them.

[@navyreviewer]

There is a theory, a plausible one, that Himmler was the real decision maker and thus leader of the nazis. Goering was a lazy, incompetent, playboy. Hitler was the face of the party, having startegic ideas "suggested" to him. Yes he made decisions on the operational level and was allowed to play general and indulge in his architectural fancy with his buddy Speer. The rest were yes men. The real high level policy decisions however, so the theory goes, were made by Himmler who let Hitler take the credit. I'm not saying I believe it, but I do see where that theory comes from.

[@rodvoorhies3753]

Great job again Mark. Thanks.

[@burntearth85]

I really appreciate your videos, as they focus on the people and day to day life of Hitlers entourage, and not just boring battles.

[@garethnoon3495]

Always brilliant content Mr Felton 👍