A prisoner of war identified as SS Schuetze Obernigg gave an account of Hitler's daily routine at his retreat in Obersalzberg in the Bavarian Alps. The accounts have been made public by the National Archives.

The 19-year-old Austrian deserter, said to have been at Hitler's retreat between 1943 and 1944, said the dictator would enjoy breakfast before receiving visitors such as his doctor in the afternoon.

The previously classified accounts say Hitler worked long into the night, going to sleep as late as 4am.

Hitler was paranoid about being watched and instructed his guards accordingly. Obernigg said: "Hitler cannot bear to feel himself watched... guards were instructed to keep him in sight but to remain unobserved themselves."

Obernigg also described the dictator as mild-mannered during personal exchanges. The accounts said: "He is mild on personal contact but apt to bang tables and shout during conferences."