Introduction:

:"The political goals of the various resistance groups in Hall [in Tyrol] differed significantly, yet they all shared one common aim: to overthrow Nazi rule. The monarchists among them believed that a restored monarchy, led by Dr. Otto von Habsburg (1912–2011), represented the best form of government for Austria. Otto von Habsburg-Lothringen, a prominent symbol of opposition to the Nazis, saw his honorary citizenships revoked across Austria after the Anschluss—including in Hall in Tirol. His honorary citizenship, granted on 21 June 1935, was formally annulled (as documented in the municipal council records of 20 November 1936). Habsburg himself later referenced this act of defiance in his correspondence, underscoring the ideological clash between the legitimist monarchists and the Nazi regime."

Catholic-monarchist-legitimist resistance circle in Hall in Tirol (1938 - 1945)

The terms "Adel" (nobility), "Nobilität" (nobility), and "Aristokratie" (aristocracy) in many European languages refer to fundamental elements of the self-conception of this social group. Its members consider themselves noble and refined, in contrast to commoners. They stand out and are notable ("notabilis") through their distinguished and generous conduct; they belong to the elite ("aristoi"). The particular attractiveness of the noble status as a status symbol lies in the fact that possessing it continues to signal an elite status, even when its bearer or the nobility as a whole no longer holds real elite positions. For what distinguishes aristocracy from all other status symbols is that it can practically never be lost. In a certain way, nobles are exempt from the permanent competition for favorable social positions. Being noble meant always already being someone, before one becomessomeone.
The "Adelsaufhebungsgesetz" (Law on the Abolition of the Nobility) regulates the abolition of the nobility that took place after the dissolution of Austria-Hungary during the transition to a republican form of state. It was passed on April 3, 1919, by the parliament of the newly formed state of German-Austria, the Constituent National Assembly. It came into force on April 10, 1919. On the same day, the law concerning the expulsion from the country and the seizure of the assets of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine came into force. Today, both laws are considered constitutional laws in Austria.
"Conspiratorial activity was something new in Tyrolean history [...] Both the stubbornness with which the Tyroleans clung to their traditions and their political and moral convictions proved to be an important foundation for the resistance against the Nazi regime." (Radomir Luza, historian, USA)

"For God, Emperor, and Fatherland: The Monarchist Resistance in Hall against the Nazi Regime"

The political objectives of the various groups within the resistance movements in Hall were very diverse, but they all shared the common goal of eliminating Nazi rule. The monarchists were of the opinion that the monarchy under the leadership of Dr. Otto von Habsburg (1912 – 2011) was the best form of state organization. At the beginning of Nazi rule in Austria, Otto von Habsburg-Lorraine was stripped of numerous honorary citizenships, including the one in Hall in Tirol (honorary citizenship from June 21, 1935 in Hall, letter from Otto von Habsburg, in: appendix to the city council meeting minutes dated November 20, 1936).

"Otto Habsburg a Troublesome Foreigner, Not an Honorary Citizen

A report from Hall: One of the first measures of the newly appointed municipal councils in the rural communities is to revoke the 'honorary citizen appointments' that were previously forced under the pressure of the [Austrofascist] system. The municipal council of Mils near Hall now announces the following resolution:
*'The appointment of Otto Habsburg as an honorary citizen, which was forced through by the previous municipal council with a vote of 8 to 4, is hereby revoked, considering that he has not done the slightest for the welfare of the community and is furthermore regarded by almost everyone as an inexperienced, troublesome foreigner. Likewise, the honorary citizen appointments of [Chancellor] Schuschnigg and [Vice-Chancellor] Starhemberg are declared null and void.'"*

Count Bernhard Stolberg zu Stolberg (1881–1952) ​

Count Bernhard Stolberg zu Stolberg (1881–1952) was a prominent figure in the Austrian resistance against National Socialism. A member of the high German aristocracy, he deliberately renounced his title and acquired Austrian citizenship in 1938 to distance himself from Nazi Germany.
After reading Hitler's "Mein Kampf" in 1933, he famously declared, "Whoever is a Catholic cannot be a National Socialist." Following a month of imprisonment after the Anschluss, he became the leader of a Catholic-monarchist resistance circle that met at his home in Hall in Tirol. The group was dedicated to protecting opponents of the regime, supporting families of the persecuted, and distributing anti-Nazi literature. His leadership was instrumental in organizing local opposition, which ultimately contributed to the city's liberation in 1945.

• Left: Count Bernhard Stolberg. Right: His gravesite in Hall in Tyrol's municipal cemetery.
  

Joseph Freiherr von und zu Franckenstein (1910 – 1963)

An Austrian aristocrat who became a formidable OSS agent, Joseph von Franckenstein's life was defined by his fierce opposition to Nazism. Forced to flee Europe, he joined the US Army and returned in 1944 on the perilous "Operation Deadwood," parachuting into Italy to support the Tyrolean resistance. Betrayed and captured by the SS, he survived a mock execution and brutal interrogation before making a daring escape. After the war, he was appointed the chief judge of the US military court in Innsbruck, a testament to his unwavering courage and commitment to justice. His story is a powerful chapter in the history of Austrian resistance.

Dr. Ernst Verdross  Edler von Drossberg (1892–1963)

The annexation of Austria into the German Reich was a severe blow to democracy and freedom. In Hall in Tirol, the Nazis waged a brutal campaign of terror against their opponents. Dr. Ernst Verdross was a victim of this terror, imprisoned in the Dachau concentration camp from May 31, 1938. He returned on March 30, 1939, severely marked by his ordeal.
After his release, he was placed under house arrest and Gestapo surveillance. He lost his position as a municipal secretary and had to seek new employment to support his family. Despite these difficult circumstances, he retained his courage and joined the resistance. He supported the monarchist resistance circle around Count Bernhard Stolberg zu Stolberg (1881–1952) and the Hall resistance group around Dr. med. Viktor Schumacher (1894–1984) and master shoemaker Anton Haller (1907–1958). In a report, Dr. Verdross singled out Joseph Freiherr von Franckenstein as the resistance fighter from Hall who deserved particular recognition.
​(See blog Dr. Ernst Verdross)

Foto Dr. Ernst Verdross. In: Historisches Archiv Foto Stockhammer Hall in Tirol.

Dr. med. Viktor von Schumacher (1894 – 1981)

Dr. Viktor Schumacher was active in the politics of Hall from 1929. As the municipal and public health doctor, he was well aware of the needs and worries of the population. At the start of Nazi rule, he was taken into "protective custody" in the Hall court prison from March 12 to March 24, 1938.
He joined the resistance circle of Count Bernhard Stolberg zu Stolberg and the resistance group of Anton Haller. Dr. Schumacher drafted the battle plan for an armed uprising against the Nazi regime in Hall. After the end of the war, he served as mayor and assumed the official duties of the city of Hall. (see blog Dr. Viktor Schumacher)

Foto Dr. Viktor Schumacher. Held in: private archive of Andreas Schumacher Hall in Tyrol.

Josef Conte Veith (1878–1959)– From the Hero of Ancona to Resistance Contact

Josef Conte Veith was an exceptional figure whose life was defined by a spectacular commando raid during the First World War. In 1918, he led a daring operation to capture advanced Italian naval boats in the port of Ancona. Although the mission ultimately failed due to betrayal after initial successes, his bravery was later recognized by the exiled Emperor Karl, who awarded him the Golden Bravery Medal.
His later life in Tyrol was marked by modesty and hardship, yet also by an unbroken spirit and unwavering loyalty to the Austrian monarchy. In a historically significant connection, Veith is identified in the reports of resistance fighter Dr. Ernst Verdross as a contact for the anti-Nazi resistance movement in Hall, Tyrol. Thus, his biography uniquely bridges the military tradition of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Austrian resistance against the Nazi regime. (see blog Josef Conte Veith)