The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · SS & Police
Arthur Nebe (1894–1945): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 13 November 1894, Berlin |
|---|---|
| Died | 3 March 1945, Berlin-Plötzensee (executed) |
| Key offices | Head of the Reich Criminal Police Office (from 1936; later Amt V of the RSHA); commander of Einsatzgruppe B (June–October 1941) |
| Documents bearing his name | Criminal Police and RSHA documents |
| In the collection | No pieces currently available |
Arthur Nebe headed the German Criminal Police and, in 1941, commanded Einsatzgruppe B, which murdered tens of thousands of Jews in the Soviet Union. He was also in contact with the conspirators against Hitler and was executed in 1945.
Who Was Arthur Nebe?
Nebe was born in Berlin in 1894. A career police officer, he led the Reich Criminal Police Office from its creation on 30 September 1936; it later became Amt V of the RSHA. From June to October 1941 he commanded Einsatzgruppe B in the Soviet Union, which under him and his successor killed more than 70,000 people by mid-April 1942.
What Documents Bear Nebe’s Signature?
His signature appears on Criminal Police and RSHA documents. See original signature or facsimile and Reinhard Heydrich.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Criminal Police documents must fit the office and date.
- Typed copies are common.
- Describe with full context of Einsatzgruppe B.
Fate
Nebe knew of plans to remove Hitler and warned Carl Goerdeler before 20 July 1944. He went into hiding on 24 July 1944, was found in January 1945, sentenced to death by the People’s Court and executed on 3 March 1945.
Collector’s Note
Nebe is a reminder that perpetrator and conspirator could be the same man. His documents need that double context.
Related Entries and Pieces
Browse the full Collector’s Encyclopaedia →
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Einsatzgruppe B?
A mobile killing unit in the Soviet Union, commanded by Nebe from June to October 1941.
Was Nebe part of the resistance?
He had contacts with the conspirators and warned Goerdeler.
How did Nebe die?
He was executed in Berlin-Plötzensee on 3 March 1945.
Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.
References & Further Reading
- Boberach, H. (1999) ‘Nebe, Arthur’, Neue Deutsche Biographie, 19, pp. 12–13.