Norbert Josef Endres

Norbert Endres was born in Schmidsdorf in Lower Austria, the son of bricklayer Anton Endres and his wife Katharina, née Pavlas. After completing his schooling, he joined the Neunkirchen tax office in 1919.

In the 1930s, he joined the Heimatschutz and was company commander of a formation that was actively involved in the suppression of the National Socialist coup attempt in July 1934. He then joined the Vaterländische Front and became the organizational officer of the Gloggnitz local group.

In this role, the staunch Austrian and opponent of National Socialism actively fought for Austria's independence. On March 12, 1938, he witnessed the downfall of a free and independent Austria. On March 13, 1938, Norbert Endres was arrested by the Gestapo and deported to Dachau concentration camp on May 23, 1938. His fellow inmates there in Block 15 included Leopold Figl, Felix Hurdes and Isidor Harsieber. On March 13, 1939, he was released from the concentration camp and a few days later, on March 22, 1939, he was released as a civil servant. During his imprisonment, he suffered damage to his gall bladder, liver, lungs and eyes. After his release, he worked for a tax consultant and married in 1941.

In 1945, he witnessed the liberation of Austria by the Allies, was rehabilitated on October 1, 1945 and returned to work at the Neunkirchen tax office.