The Ratline: Loves, Lies and Justice on the Trail of a Nazi Fugitive

by Philippe Sands (2020)

1942: As Governor of Galicia, Otto von Wächter oversees the Final Solution

1945: Wächter is indicted for ‘mass murder’ and flees

1949: Wächter dies mysteriously in Rome, hoping to get to Argentina

In this riveting real-life thriller, Philippe Sands offers a unique account of the life of senior Nazi SS Brigadeführer Otto Freiherr von Wächter and his wife, Charlotte. Drawing on a remarkable archive of family letters and diaries, he unveils a fascinating insight into life before and during the war, as a fugitive on the run in the Alps and then in Rome, and into the Cold War. Years later the door is unlocked to a mystery that haunts Wächter’s youngest son, who continues to believe his father was a good man.

What happened to Otto Wächter while he was preparing to travel to Argentina on the ‘Ratline’, assisted by an Austrian Vatican bishop? What was the explanation for his sudden and unexpected death?

Sandra and Andrew read extracts from the book.

Music played:

1. Bruckner: Symphony no. 4 (‘Romantic’), 1^st movement. Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Otto Klemperer
2. ‘Tomorrow belongs to me’ (from the musical ‘Cabaret’)
3. ‘Brundibar’ (extract from the opera for children, by Hans Krausas, performed at Terezin/ Theresienstadt)
4. Theme-music from the film ‘Schindler’s List‘