Erich Garske

Erich Garske (21 November 1907 - 13 December 1943) was a German political activist (KPD) and, after 1933, a resistance activist. He was executed by the Nazis in December 1943.

Biography The memorial stone to the Garskes was erected in 1944 by their friends at a lakeside camping place where they often stayed. Predating the collapse of the Nazi régime, it is one of the earliest public memorials in Germany to Nazi victims. It was renovated - washed and repainted - in 2013. The memorial enjoys "protected" status. Erich Garske was born in 1907. He was a technical draftsman by profession. In January 1933, when the Nazis took power, he was already a member of the Communist Party. The Nazis lost little time in transforming Germany into a one- party dictatorship. Party political activity became illegal, and after the Reichstag Fire in February 1933, the authorities devoted particular energy to outlawing activities undertaken on behalf of the Communist Party. Garske nevertheless remained politically active, producing satirical cartoons for the illegal newspapers produced by peace activists. From 1942 their Berlin apartment was the work-place and a communications hub for "Alfred". Erich Garske was able to help Alfred in his work by producing satirical drawings and other art work for illegal party publications, notably with a news journal called "Der Friedenskämpfer" ("The Fighter for Peace"). Charlotte was arrested on 17 February 1943. On 9 November 1943, the special "People's Court" sentenced Erich and Charlotte Garske to death. Erich was killed - sources use the verb "murdered" - on 13 December 1943, Charlotte Garske on 16 December 1943, both at the punishment prison at Berlin-Plötzensee.