Karl Ernst Rahtgens
German officer in the Wehrmacht during World War II, and an active resistance fighter against the Nazi régime
About Karl Ernst Rahtgens
Lived 1908 – 1944 (aged 36). Karl Ernst Rahtgens was a politician, resistance fighter and military officer.
Karl Ernst Rahtgens (27 August 1908 – 30 August 1944) was a German officer in the Wehrmacht during World War II, and an active resistance fighter against the Nazi régime.
Born in Lübeck, he was married to Johanna Helene Rahtgens, née von Cramon. His uncle was Field Marshal Günther von Kluge.
Rahtgens, who held the rank of oberstleutnant, was arrested in Belgrade for his involvement in the 20 July plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. He was sentenced to death on 30 August 1944 by the Volksgerichtshof and was hanged later the same day at Plötzensee Prison in Berlin.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Karl Ernst Rahtgens?
German officer in the Wehrmacht during World War II, and an active resistance fighter against the Nazi régime (1908-1944)
When was Karl Ernst Rahtgens born?
Karl Ernst Rahtgens was born on 27 August 1908 in Lübeck.
When did Karl Ernst Rahtgens die?
Karl Ernst Rahtgens died on 30 August 1944 in Plötzensee Prison.
What was Karl Ernst Rahtgens's occupation?
Karl Ernst Rahtgens was a politician, resistance fighter and military officer.
What nationality was Karl Ernst Rahtgens?
Karl Ernst Rahtgens's recorded nationality: German Reich.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Karl Ernst Rahtgens
· DBpedia: Karl Ernst Rahtgens
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Karl Ernst Rahtgens. https://biography.guide/karl-ernst-rahtgens/
MLA: "Karl Ernst Rahtgens." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/karl-ernst-rahtgens/.
Chicago: "Karl Ernst Rahtgens." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/karl-ernst-rahtgens/.
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