2-376-563 - Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images

Hitler inspecting a group of SA Members during World War II, Germany, 1939-1945. Founded in c1919, the Sturmabteilung (SA) was the paramilitary wing of the Nazi party. Its members were known as the 'Brownshirts' because of the colour of their uniforms. The SA played an important part in Hitler's (1889-1945) rise to power in Germany but its significance was effectively ended when its leaders were killed in the 'Night of the Long Knives' in 1934, with the rival Schutzstaffel (SS) taking over its role.