In 1895, 9 years before he was born, his father, Bruno Heydrich, a
composer, wrote an opera, the lead character of which was to provide
the inspiration for his first name - its ironic title was "Reinhard's
Crime".
A high-ranking official in the Nazi SS, Heydrich was considered to be one of Adolf Hitler's most able -- and most ruthless -- enforcers.
During World War II, while serving as one of the highest ranking
officers in the SS, Heydrich was also a Reserve Officer in the less
intimidating rank of a Luftwaffe Captain. He flew combat missions in
Poland, France, and Russia before being forbidden to fly after it was
realized that his capture as a POW would be a major security breach to
Germany.
Four children: Klaus (1933-1943), Heider (1934), Silke (1939), Marte (1942).
Deputy Protector of the Protectorate Bohemia and Moravia (29 September 1941-4 June 1942).
Director of the Reichssicherheitshauptamt ('Reich Security Main Office') (27 September 1939-4 June 1942).
He was an avid swimmer, fencer and horseback rider.
He was a lifelong musician who had learned both the piano and the violin and eventually became an expert violinist, a passion he maintained throughout his life.