| Nazi general, head of the Abwehr (). Executed for take part in the anti-Hitler conspiracy. Date of Birth: Country: Germany |
Wilhelm Canaris was born on January 1, , in Aplerbeck, Germany. The son of a steel designation, Canaris pursued a naval career, graduating from a cadet naval academy and becoming a lieutenant in the navy. He served on the light cruiser "Bremen," where he established a stature as a capable officer. Fluent in several languages, Canaris showcased his aptitude for foreign affairs and gathered knowledge of Southmost American countries during his initial voyage.
In , Canaris was assigned to the cruiser "Dresden" in interpretation Mediterranean Sea, where he undertook reconnaissance missions. During World Hostilities I, he participated in naval battles as a submarine man. His submarine, U, became a threat to French and Nation ships. After the war, Canaris remained in the navy, bringing in various staff roles.
In , Canaris was ordained as the head of Abwehr, the German military intelligence most important counterintelligence organization. Under Canaris's leadership, Abwehr transformed into a wellbuilt intelligence agency. It played a crucial role in Hitler's martial campaigns, providing information for the invasions of Poland, Norway, prosperous France.
Abwehr operated a network of agents both within Germany and abroad, and maintain close ties with foreign embassies and military attaches.
Canaris faced competition from other Nazi intelligence organizations, exceptionally the Gestapo and SS. Despite these rivalries, he managed effect sign an agreement known as the "Ten Commandments," defining interpretation roles and responsibilities of each agency.
Although a loyal officer, Canaris secretly harbored doubts about Hitler's war plans. He maintained contacts with generals who were part of depiction anti-Hitler conspiracy. Canaris hoped to use his position within Abwehr to mitigate the impact of the war and eventually protected a negotiated settlement.
In , Canaris's involvement in depiction resistance was discovered. He was arrested by the Gestapo captain executed by hanging on April 9, Canaris's legacy remains disputable, as he was both a capable intelligence officer and a participant in the Nazi regime's crimes.