Hanged For Hitler

 Hanged For Hitler

Reviewed By  Nan van Dissel       July 14, 2026

 

Author  Tony Matthews

Distributor:      AmazonAU
ISBN:                 9781923514744
Publisher:         Big Sky Publication
Release Date:   6 July 2025  

Website:    https://www.amazon.com.au/Hanged-Hitler-Hitlers-Theodore-Schurch-ebook/dp/B0GQJ7VFRC 

FaceBook:  https://www.facebook.com/BigSkyPub 

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/BigSkyPublishingAust/videos 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/bigskypub/ 

X formally Twitter:  https://x.com/Bigskypub 

The True Story of Hitler’s Spies, Karel Richter and Theodore Schurch

There were many spies, informants and double agents working during World War II for both sides of this major conflict. Welsh Australian historian, documentarian, author Tony Matthew’s, known for his extensive work on military espionage, latest deeply research book ‘Hanged for Hitler’ chronicles the complex lives of Karel Richter and Theodore Schurch, who were spies during this much studied event. 

English born handsome Richter became a German spy quite early in WWII and was commissioned to parachute into England to make contact with another German spy, who unbeknown to the Germans had become a double agent. As the Germans were not giving their spies ample training, this drop proved to be disastrous for Richter; he was ill prepared and soon captured before the rendezvous could take place.

On the other hand, cunning, clever, dangerous Theodore Schurch has gone down in history as one of the most despicable traitors of World War II. His story is not one of heroism or resistance but one of betrayal. Also, English born, as a teenager and without his parents’ knowledge became drawn to fascism, joining the British Union of Fascists. He began working for Axis powers, not only as an informant but also as a spy. As part of the British Army, he was captured in Tobruk, after which he was infiltrated into various Italian P.O.W. camps; his role being to ingratiate himself to the captured and to pass on the information gleaned. 

Tony Matthews has an impressive background military history, having meticulously research and thoroughly documented events in numerous related books.  Like his earlier books, this is an authoritative work in this field. The book not only explores and chronicles the lives of Richter and Schurch but also many of the other key players.

The author acknowledges that although both spies tended to bend and colour the truth, with his exacting research he has been able to elicit an accurate account of their lives. With a useful index, military history enthusiasts will find this a most comprehensive, well documented book, which should not be missed; they will be fascinated to learn what goes on in the background of military events!

Documentary, History, Non Fiction