Heydrich, Reinhard

Heydrich, Reinhard rīn´härt hī´drĭkh [key], 1904–42, German police official under the Nazi regime. Forced to resign (1931) from the navy for misconduct, Heydrich joined the SS (seeNational Socialism). He soon won HeinrichHimmler's confidence and in 1934 was appointed deputy chief of the Gestapo (seesecret police). He was deeply involved in planning the extermination of the Jews. In 1941, Heydrich was appointed protector of Bohemia and Moravia. His ruthless methods there and elsewhere and his numerous executions earned him the namethe Hangman of Europe.In May, 1942, he was assassinated by Czech patriots. Several days later the entire male population of the village ofLidicewas murdered in retaliation.

See biography by R. Gerwarth (2011).

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