The Story Hitler’s shocking DNA discovery – the Sunday Story
Nov 16, 2025
Jack Blackburn, History Correspondent for The Times, explores the groundbreaking genetic analysis of Adolf Hitler's DNA, derived from a bloodstain in his bunker. This analysis unveils that Hitler had Kallmann syndrome, explaining the truth behind his infamous wartime song. The discovery also eliminates rumors of Jewish ancestry and raises important questions about how genetic traits might connect to his behavior and political focus. Blackburn discusses the ethical implications of these findings and urges caution against misinterpreting the results.
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How The Blood Swatch Survived
- An American officer, Colonel Roswell P. Rosengren, cut a cloth swatch from Hitler's bloodstained sofa in the bunker and kept it.
- That swatch later entered a small Gettysburg museum and became the source material for sequencing Hitler's DNA.
Y-Chromosome Matched A Known Relative
- Researchers validated the swatch by matching its rare Y chromosome to a preserved relative's sample from 2008.
- The rare Y-match made it highly likely the blood came from Adolf Hitler rather than another bunker occupant.
Do Historical DNA Work Rigorously
- Do sequence sensitive historical DNA responsibly and with top experts to avoid sensationalism.
- Churi King chose to do the work so the study would be rigorous and publicly credible.