The National Archives has digitized an unusual and extensive photo album from World War II. Now we are asking the public for help in solving a small mystery: Who is behind the detailed drawings in the album?
«This is quite a special find. The album is almost like a »who's who' of Nazi Germany during the war and the German power apparatus in Norway," says historian and senior advisor at the National Archives. Øyvind Ødegaard.
This winter, the National Archives received an unusual album as a gift. It likely belonged to Hans Latza (1908–1975), a German SS officer, lawyer, and judge. From 1940 until the end of the war, he was the chief SS judge in Oslo, issuing, among other things, a number of death sentences against Norwegians. After the war, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, but the sentence was overturned by the Supreme Court in 1948 – a decision that is still debated.
Rare source
The album was donated to the National Archives by a private individual earlier this year. It was likely purchased at auction, and the donor had no connection to either Latza or the content in general.
The album consists of over a hundred pages of portrait and group photos of prominent Nazis, including Hitler, Himmler, and Goebbels, as well as Norwegian NS leaders and leading figures in the German regime in Norway.
At the same time, the album is much more than a collection of pictures. Most of the pages are richly decorated with detailed pen drawings.
The drawings are signed, but the signature is difficult to decipher. There is little to suggest that Latza himself made them. Therefore, we hope that someone can recognize the style or the signature, says Ødegaard.
Some of the photographs appear to be little known or taken in more private settings, while others are more established portraits. The National Archives would also like information from the public about these images.
The National Archives is not aware of similar photo albums preserved in Norway.
"It's uncertain how unique the album is internationally, but in a Norwegian context, we believe this is a very special collection," says Ødegaard.
Seeking audience tips
The entire album is now digitized and available on Digitalarkivet.
More than 80 years after the end of the war, unknown material is still emerging in private homes.
– This is a good example of how important historical sources exist out there. The National Archives wants to connect with people who possess similar material. With us, it can be preserved and made accessible to everyone, for all time.
Do you know who might have made the drawings in the album, or do you have any other information about the material? Please send it to komm@nasjonalarkivet.no
You can browse the album on Digitalarkivet.
Some of the images can also be found in the photo search on Digitalarkivet. (In any order)
