Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich

by Norman Ohler

The Wehrmacht was thus the first army in the world to rely on a chemical drug. And Ranke, the Pervitin-addicted army physiologist, was responsible for its regulated use. A new kind of war was on the way.

Blitzkrieg was guided by methamphetamine. If not to say that Blitzkrieg was founded on methamphetamine.

“It’s a good thing you’re here, doctor. This cocaine is wonderful, and I’m glad that you’ve found the right remedy. Free me from these headaches again for a while.”

In late November 1944 a gate indeed was opened to the naval doctor Richert, who was to run the experiments. It led to a huge facility, and the steel lettering over the entrance spelled out the words: ARBEIT MACHT FREI, meaning “Work will set you free.”