On this day - 30 April

On the 30th April 1945 Adolf Hitler committed suicide via a gunshot to the head. His new wife, Eva Braun, was with him and committed suicide via cyanide poisoning. This occurred after it had become clear to Hitler that Germany would lose the Battle of Berlin and therefore World War 2 would draw to a close. There was some controversy surrounding his death and many prominent figures including Stalin wanted this fact verified for themselves. As the bodies were burned, dental remains would play a key role in the verification of death.

The announcement of his death was reported in newspapers around the world following an annoucement made on German radio on May 1st. The Daily Worker wrote a detailed report of the announcement including how they were informed and responses to the news from the general public.