ADOLF Hitler’s final message that's been dubbed the Nazi dictator’s “suicide note” is up for auction.

In it the defiant Fuhrer refuses to leave his bunker in Berlin as the Red Army closes in on the besieged German capital in April 1945.

9 The notes, pictured, are thought to be the only written evidence of Hitler declaring his intention to remain in imploding Berlin Credit: Credit: Pen News/Alexander Historical Auctions

9 Hitler, pictured here in April 20 1945, inspects Hitler Youth who were tasked with defending Berlin in what is thought to be one of the last pictures of the desperate leader Credit: Getty - Contributor

9 Since it was obvious the capital was to collapse, the telegram was essentially a suicide note Credit: Credit: Pen News/Alexander Historical Auctions

It was sent to one of Hitler’s favourite commanders, Field Marshal Ferdinand Schörner, who had been urging him to flee the capital.

The Fuhrer states: “I shall remain in Berlin, so as to take part, in honourable fashion, in the decisive battle for Germany, and to set a good example to all those remaining.

“I believe that in this way I shall be rendering Germany the best service.

“For the rest of you, every effort must be made to win the struggle for Berlin. You can there help decisively, by pushing northwards as early as possible.”

I shall remain in Berlin, so as to take part, in honourable fashion, in the decisive battle for Germany, and to set a good example Adolf Hitler, April 24 1945

Alexander Historical Auctions in Maryland, USA, which is auctioning the item, said the item was “as unique as it gets”.

It could fetch up to £70,000.

Auction company president Bill Panagopulos said: “There is no other written evidence of Hitler declaring his intention to remain (and die) in Berlin that anyone has been able to locate.

“This is essentially Hitler's ‘suicide note’.

“In it, he tries to portray himself as a valiant leader of his men until the end, when in actuality he shuffled into his bedroom and fired a bullet into his head.”

He tries to portray himself as a valiant leader of his men until the end... in actuality he shuffled into his bedroom and fired a bullet into his head Bill Panagopulos, Alexander Historical Auctions

The lot also includes Hitler’s transcript of the letter from Schörner, pleading with him to escape.

“I should like… to ask you, at this grave hour, to leave Berlin and to assume command… from the southern sector,” wrote Schörner.

“If you fell, Germany would also. Millions of Germans await the opportunity to build up Germany once again, with you.”

Mr Panagopulos said: “He was a favourite of Hitler, and was a devoted underling, and most certainly wanted Hitler to get out of Berlin."

RED ARMY CLOSING IN ON HITLER'S BUNKER

Hitler, on the other hand, was in an impossible position.

At the afternoon situation conference two days earlier, the stricken dictator suffered a total nervous collapse when he was informed that the orders to move to the rescue of Berlin had not been obeyed.

Mr Panagopulos said: “Hitler launched a tirade against the treachery and incompetence of his commanders; his outburst culminated in a declaration – for the first time – that the war was lost.

“Hitler announced that he would stay in Berlin until the end.”

On April 26, two days after Hitler sent his reply to Schörner, the Nazi leader was offered a last chance to fly out of Berlin, which he declined.

“He may have hoped that by some miracle Schorner would push north from Czechoslovakia and relieve Berlin, but I'm sure both of them knew that was an impossibility,” said Mr Panagopulos.

“His defensive forces were collapsing all around him and Russian shells were already landing nearby.”

MOST READ IN NEWS CREEPY CRAWLERS Dozens of horrifying 3ft-long robber crabs invade family's campsite BBQ FIT AND FIFTY 'World’s hottest gran' celebrates 50th as fans praise her youthful looks COV-ER & OUT Lockdown-free Sweden 'on brink of BEATING Covid after achieving herd immunity' HIDE AND SEEEEEEK Can you spot the deadly snakes hiding in these gardens and homes? OUT OF THIS WORLD Man transforms into 'alien' after having nose REMOVED & splitting tongue GRINCHES Mum reveals HUGE Xmas gift haul for daughter - but some parents brand kid 'spoilt'

Hitler and his longtime partner, Eva Braun, would commit suicide in his Berlin bunker on April 30, 1945.

According to those who managed to escape the bunker before the Red Army arrived, Hitler would voice his fear of being captured, or worse, being killed and having his body paraded in public.

In his last will and testament, Hitler promoted Schörner to commander-in-chief of the German army, as his successor.

Schörner would later abandon his post and flee to Austria, where he was arrested by American forces.

Following the war, he served time in Soviet and West German prisons before he was released in 1963, after which he moved to Munich where he died in obscurity in 1973.

The lot will be sold in a two-day auction running on April 30 and May 1.

It is expected to fetch between £52,000-£70,000.

Bids can be made online at www.alexautographs.com.

9 The memo was sent to Field Marshal Ferdinand Schörner, pictured, and spelled out Hitler's desire to stay in doomed Berlin Credit: Credit: Pen News

9 The pulverised Reichstag building as the Red Army closes in on the last pockets of resistance in May 1945 Credit: Getty - Contributor

9 Adolf Hitler with girlfriend Eva Braun... the pair married in the bunker hours before killing themselves Credit: Credit: Pen News

9 Hitler with his propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels who remained in the bunker with his fuhrer and killed his family who are pictured here Credit: Hulton Archive - Getty

9 Private First Class Richard Blust of Michigan surveys the room (turned upside by an investigating Soviet intelligence squad) where Hitler and his wife Eva are thought to have committed suicide Credit: Hulton Archive - Getty

9 German civilians, whom Hitler accused of failing him and said they deserve to die with him, start rebuilding in May 1945 Credit: Getty - Contributor

Rare archive footage from the private residence of Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.