Conspiracy theories

Freemason secrets: How insider lifted lid on Nazi persecution during World War 2

The Freemasons trace their origins back to the local fraternities of stonemasons in the 14th century. At local level, Freemasonry is organised at the Lodge – usually supervised by a Grand Lodge – but the secretive nature of the group has also attracted unwanted attention over the years. Masons have been the subject of numerous international conspiracy theories and, unfortunately, these outrageous claims were believed by the Nazis – who rejected and banned the practice in January 1934.

The fate of Freemasons in Nazi labour and extermination camps is an often overlooked chapter of World War 2.

However, Amazon Prime’s 2016 documentary ‘Inside The Freemasons: The Grand Lodge Uncovered’ reveals the horror of being a member of the secret society during the conflict.

Freemason insider John Hamill said: “It became a very dangerous thing to be a Freemason towards the end of the Thirties.”

Mr Hamill describes the devastating consequences of what happened to Freemasons when the Nazis moved into occupying most of Europe.