- 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.
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