Establishment of the R.L.M.
 

Can anyone tell me the date that the R.L.M. (Reich Air Ministry) was established? I have seen two dates, that is, 27 April 1933 and 5 May 1933. It seems that most references state that it was established on 27 April 1933, however, I have not been able to find a German source for this. I did find a source for the 5 May 1933 date, that is, Verordnung über das Reichsluftfahrtministerium vom 5. Mai 1933 (Reichsgesetzblatt, Teil I, Seite 24). I am very interested in knowing why 27 April 1933 is often cited in connection with the establishment of the R.L.M. I will look forward to your replies here or you can also e-mail me at Feldpost@aol.com

Barry

Re: Establishment of the R.L.M.
 

David Irving gives slightly different dates in his book 'The Rise And Fall Of The Luftwaffe - The Life Of Erhard Milch'. He talks about it coming into existence on 15 May 1933 with the Order d/d 10 May 1933. This is cross referenced to Karl-Heinz Voelker's book 'Dokumente und Dokumentarfotos zur Geschichte der deutschen Luftwaffe'.

If you don't have a copy of Irving's book, it is available via his website as a free PDF download:http://www.fpp.co.uk/books/Milch/index.html

Re: Establishment of the R.L.M.
 

Hi Barry,
Just to add to what Steve said:

President Hindenburg decreed the creation of the RLM on April 27 1933.

On May 10 1933, Document no. 41 was issued by Reich Defence Minister Werner von Blomberg, ordering the formation of the Air Ministry. It was to be formally activated on May 15.

Sources:
-Völker "Die deutsche Luftwaffe 1933-1939: Aufbau, Führung, Rüstung", p.12
-Völker "Dokumente und Dokumentarfotos zur Geschichte der deutschen Luftwaffe", pp.131-133

(These are volumes 8 and 9 of the series "Beiträge zur Militär- und Kriegsgeschichte", published by Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt in 1967 & 1968, respectively.)

Leon Venter