299. Reich Chancellery in Berchtesgaden.

This image shows the back of the Reich Chancellery as photographed from a point further left of the flagpole observed in postcard number 297. The balconies seen on the left in image number 297 appear on the right in this instance. Berchtesgaden’s Reich Chancellery operated mainly as a diplomatic centre. Reich Minister and Head of the Reich Chancellery, Dr Hans-Heinrich Lammers (1879-1962) spent considerable time here. Albert Bormann (1902-89) from 1938 to 1945 Chef, Hauptamt I, Leiter der Privatkanzlei des Führers in Führerkanzlei (Chief of Main Office I, Personal Matters of the Führer in the Private Chancellery of the Führer), a rather grand title, also spent time at Hitler’s second Chancellery.

As such, Albert Bormann, Martin Bormann’s brother handled much of Hitler’s routine correspondence. The relationship between the Bormann brothers was particularly strained; to a point where they barely spoke to one another. The homes of Generaloberst (Colonel-General) Alfred Jodl, Chief of Operations Staff and Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshal) Wilhelm Keitel, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces were located on the opposite side of the building as we see it here. Keitel’s former home has been renovated and is now privately owned. The house once occupied by Jodl was demolished in 2006. A new house now occupies the former site.