The British Embassy in Berlin During World War II: A Journey Through History and Diplomacy
In the early 20th century, the British Embassy in Berlin stood as a bastion of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Germany. However, the outbreak of World War II in 1939 marked the end of this period of cooperation, leading to the closure and evacuation of the embassy. This article delves into the events that unfolded during the crisis, detailing the experiences of Sir Nevile Henderson, the British ambassador, and his staff during this tumultuous time.
Historical Context and the Closure of the Embassy
As war loomed, the tradition of diplomats being recalled when conflict erupted came into play. The British Embassy in Berlin was closed on September 3, 1939, at 11:00 AM. Staff were repatriated, and most reached the UK on September 7, 1939. The building suffered from Allied bombing during World War II and was eventually demolished in 1950.
Experiences of Sir Nevile Henderson
Sir Nevile Henderson served as the British ambassador to Germany from 1937 to 1939. A staunch supporter of appeasement, Henderson regarded the outbreak of war as a personal failure. In the early hours of September 3, 1939, he was tasked by the Foreign Office to deliver an ultimatum to German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop.
At 11:00 AM, Henderson met with Ribbentrop and handed over the British ultimatum, demanding that Germany withdraw its troops from Poland. When the Germans refused, the British declaration of war took effect. As the situation escalated, Henderson found himself trapped in a diplomatic dilemma, communicating his fate through the US Embassy.
As the full impact of the declaration of war became clear, Henderson and his colleagues prepared to leave the embassy. A small crowd gathered around as they loaded their luggage onto military lorries. Henderson noted a stark contrast: while in 1914, Berlin crowds had shouted abuse at the British legation, in 1939, the crowd was silent.
The Journey to Safety
After leaving the embassy, Henderson and his colleagues made their way to the Charlottenburg railway station, passing the traffic policeman who refused to acknowledge the ambassador. They boarded a train organized by the German authorities and headed towards the Dutch border.
However, due to a delay in the German embassy staff in Paris, the train was halted mid-journey. Henderson and his colleagues remained on the train for nearly another day, confined to the restaurant car, reading newspapers and playing cards. Finally, they were allowed to proceed, reaching Rotterdam at 19:00 on September 4, 1939.
After waiting for two days, Henderson and his party departed from the Netherlands, finding their ship escorted by three Royal Navy destroyers. They arrived in Gravesend, England, on September 7, 1939, and subsequently reached London on September 8. Henderson's return to the UK marked the end of an era.
The Aftermath and Legacy
Following their return to the UK, Henderson sought a new posting as ambassador. However, his request was declined. Instead, he retired to an aunt's house to write his memoirs. Published in 1940, these memoirs provided insight into the complexities of diplomatic relations during wartime. Henderson's book posthumously published in 1943 detailed his career as a diplomat.
Diagnosed with cancer, Sir Nevile Henderson passed away in December 1942 at the age of 60. His experiences during the closure of the British Embassy in Berlin serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges and contradictions faced by diplomats during one of the most pivotal periods in modern history.