Tyrolean Resistance Against Nazi Rule: Anton von Hradetzky and the Fight for a Free Austria

read more:

Fritz Würthle Résistance group

Anton Haller resistance group in Hall in Tyrol

(EN) Dipl. Ing. v. Hradetzky & the Innsbruck Resistance

Dr. Gottfried Uffenheimer

Introduction

The resistance group surrounding Dipl.-Ing. Anton v. Hradetzky emerged in the Innsbruck and Hall in Tirol region and consisted of former senior civil servants, legal experts, engineers, and intellectuals—many of whom had held leading roles before 1938. After Austria's annexation by Nazi Germany, several members were dismissed from public service or imprisoned. Their resistance took the form of intellectual and organizational opposition: through regular meetings, they developed ideas for Austria’s democratic renewal. In the final days of the war, the group took active steps to secure a peaceful transition of administrative power in Tyrol.

The Tyrolean Resistance Led by Dipl.-Ing. Anton von Hradetzky: Fighting for a Free Austria

In 1945, numerous courageous individuals in Tyrol actively resisted the Nazi regime. Many had already stood up for Austrian independence during the 1930s and once again risked their lives to help overthrow National Socialism. One of the key figures in this movement was Dipl.-Ing. Anton von Hradetzky, who operated through an extensive network across the region.

A Circle of Intellectual Resistance

The resistance group around Hradetzky formed during the years of Nazi rule. As early as 1934, he survived a bombing attack carried out by National Socialists in his own apartment. In 1938, he was arrested and dismissed from public service.
His close circle included:

• Dr. Anton Melzer (1898–1951), later Mayor of Innsbruck, removed from office in 1938 and imprisoned between 1943 and 1945
• Dr. Gottfried Uffenheimer (1891-1947), later Vice Mayor of Innsbruck (1945-1946), imprisoned in concentration camp Reichenau between April 1945 and May 1945, jurist, social democrat, Innsbruck
• Dr. Robert Skorpil (1894–1985), judge and writer, held in protective custody from 1938 to 1940
• Dir. Ing. Wilfried Egger, also dismissed from public service in 1938
• Dr. Leo Praxmarer (1910–1983), jurist, likewise removed in 1938
• Dr. Anton Klotz (1889–1961), who joined the group after returning from Buchenwald concentration camp in 1941 together with
  
• Dr. Ernst Verdross (1892–1963) imprisoned in concentration camp Dachau 1938 - 1939, jurist Hall in Tyrol

The members of this group were united by a deep intellectual rejection of National Socialism and a strong commitment to Austria’s political renewal. They met regularly—usually on Wednesdays—at Hradetzky’s or Egger’s homes to discuss political, social, and legal issues, analyze the international situation, and emphasize the need for a democratic restart. They also critically reflected on the authoritarian one-party system of Austria’s First Republic.
Within their professional roles, they carried out systematic educational and informational work against Nazi ideology. Their main goal was to prepare intellectually for political transformation—a hidden but crucial contribution to Austria’s democratic rebirth.

Support Across Social and Political Lines

Over the years, Hradetzky built connections throughout Tyrol, engaging individuals from diverse social backgrounds. His network included local mayors such as Gaisbichler (Hochfilzen) and Wanner (Seefeld), as well as former political prisoners like Dr. Klotz and Dr. Verdross.
He also maintained strong ties with dismissed civil servants, including Hofrat Dr. Franz Kundratitz and Dr. Hofer from the postal administration.
In the final year of the war, political education within Standschützen training camps became especially important. Hradetzky established contacts across party lines, including Dr. Gottfried Uffenheimer (later Vice Mayor of Innsbruck for the SPÖ), the communist official Thurner, and Josef Ronczay, later a KPÖ representative in the Tyrolean government.

Connections with Other Resistance Groups

Hradetzky’s circle collaborated closely with other resistance networks, including the group led by Professor Dr. Reut-Nicolussi. Members included Dr. Ernst Grünewald, his son Dr. Eduard Grünewald, and regional councillor Josef Muigg.
The network also included Dr. Rudolf Junger, later police director, who returned from Berlin in February 1945 to help prepare the political transition.
There were strong links to the group of Dr. Karl Gruber (later Austrian Foreign Minister), as well as activists such as Dr. Emil Eckel, Ludwig Steiner, and Professor Dr. Franz Mair, who was killed during the liberation of Innsbruck on May 3, 1945. The resistance group led by Anton Haller in Hall in Tyrol also played an important role in the final phase of the regime.

The Struggle for the Government Building (Landhaus)

In the final days of April 1945, the Hradetzky group attempted—via Dr. Schuler, a senior official—to secure an orderly transfer of administrative power. Schuler was in close contact with Dr. Praxmarer and Hradetzky and negotiated with Gauleiter Hofer. Although Hofer initially refused, he agreed in principle to talks under safe conduct, but no concrete negotiations took place.
Despite this, the resistance succeeded in securing the government building (Landhaus) in Innsbruck. Among the first to arrive wearing resistance armbands were Hradetzky, Egger, Praxmarer, Hansel, Meinrad, and the brickworks owner Josi Mayr.
After taking control, they raised the Austrian red-white-red flag—a powerful symbol of liberation. However, the situation remained tense: SS troops repeatedly shelled the building, even deploying tanks. During these heavy clashes, Professor Franz Mair was killed, and several others were injured.

A Legacy of Courage

After the war, Dr. Anton Klotz was appointed founding editor-in-chief of the Tiroler Tageszeitung by the American and French occupation authorities. As a former concentration camp prisoner, he stood firmly for an anti-Nazi editorial stance and led the newspaper until his death in 1961.
The circle around Anton von Hradetzky—united in their rejection of dictatorship and their vision of a democratic Austria—made a significant contribution to the liberation of Tyrol. Their courage, determination, and foresight remain a powerful reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the defense of freedom and democracy.