Hitler’s Girl: The British Aristocracy and the Third Reich on the Eve of WWII

Defense analyst Young explores the pro-Nazi sentiments of “an influential segment of [Britain’s] elite” in this thin yet intriguing history. Many in the British upper classes, reeling from WWI, the diminishment of the British Empire, and the threat of Communism, found a means “to preserve their way of life” in fascism and Nazism, according to Young. Though she documents the rise of the British Union of Fascists and the Right Club, among other organizations, Young focuses mainly on Unity Mitford, one of the aristocratic Mitford sisters and “a rabid Nazi” who sought the attentions of Adolf Hitler. After enrolling in German classes and staking out one of his favorite restaurants in Munich, Mitford eventually met with Hitler more than 160 times, and may have given birth to his son. As war between their countries became more likely, the relationship ended, resulting in Mitford’s reported suicide attempt (she claimed to have been shot by an unknown assailant). Young also suggests that pro-Nazi sentiment went all the way to the royal family, citing FBI reports that Wallis Simpson’s Nazi connections (rather than her marital status) forced Prince Edward’s abdication. The brisk narrative contains many shocking revelations but could benefit from additional context; it remains unclear just how widespread pro-German sentiment was among the British upper crust, and readers may wish for more details about efforts to undermine sympathy for fascism. This history is more titillating than definitive. (Aug.)