Rudolf Hess exhumed to deter neo-Nazi pilgrims

The remains of Rudolph Hess, Adolph Hitler’s former deputy, have been exhumed from a grave in the small Bavarian town of Wunsiedal.

Officials removed the tomb and headstone in order to prevent hoards of neo-Nazi pilgrims descending on the small community. Every year on August 17 hundreds of Nazi sympathisers commemorate the death of Hess.

After being exhumed Hess’ bones were taken to a crematorium, and his ashes scattered at sea. The action was taken after consultation with his remaining family.

One of Hitler’s closest allies, Hess was captured after flying to Scotland in 1941 on an apparent peace mission.

He was convicted of war crimes at the Nuremberg trials and sentenced to life imprisonment. He killed himself while in Spandau Prison in 1987 at the age of 93.

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