DDr. Ing. Josef Krinninger

Josef Krinninger was born in Brno in Moravia, the son of German landowners. Among other things, his parents owned the Brunnmühle estate near Vorchtdorf. He also attended elementary school and grammar school in Brno, where he graduated from high school and then enrolled at the German agricultural college in Tetschen-Liedwert. After four semesters and passing his first state examination, he transferred to the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna. In 1927, he studied engineering and obtained his doctorate there in 1928. He then studied political science at the University of Vienna and received his doctorate in this subject in 1932.

In 1928, Josef Krinninger married Martha, bought the Grossau estate near Raabs an der Thaya and moved there with Martha. During his studies, he had already joined the Ottonen student fraternity and the Order of St. George. He finally joined the Patriotic Front in 1933. A staunch opponent of National Socialism, he was firmly committed to opposing the Nazis during this time.

Josef Krinninger was not present at the board meeting of the Ottonen student fraternity in Café Votiv on March 12, 1938, when they decided to formally disband and go underground. However, he is appointed to the central committee by Karl Burian. At this point, however, he was already under observation by the Gestapo. On March 12, 1938, he was ordered not to leave his property. His car and personal weapons were also confiscated. Josef Krinninger subsequently became another contact for Otto von Habsburg. Krinninger's wife Martha is involved in her husband's resistance work and actively supports it.

From mid-August 1938 to October 1938, Josef Krinninger and his wife Martha travel to Italy and France, where they meet up with other freedom fighters, such as Willy Klein and Othmar Alfred Slavik. Finally, on September 21, 1938, he meets with Otto von Habsburg and discusses the development of the resistance movement. Back in Vienna, Josef Krinninger and his wife Martha informed those remaining in Vienna of the news they had learned abroad.

Josef Krinninger was arrested by the Gestapo on October 14, 1938. He is charged with preparation for high treason and sentenced to six years in prison and a fine of 50,000 RM in the main trial of the People's Court from December 7, 1943 to December 9, 1943. After serving his sentence, he was not released despite the intervention of his wife Martha. Martha Krienninger commented:

"Mr. Kriminalrat (Nikoll) ordered me to another date and then he told me that it was completely out of the question that people like my husband would be set free. The district leader in Waidhofen and our local group leader told me the same thing. Nikoll told me that my husband was one of those people who were not Nazis after 10 years in prison and that he feared that my husband would have too bad an influence on the rural population, as he knew that my husband was generally popular!"

Josef Krinninger remained in protective custody in Stein an der Donau prison. On February 16, 1945, he was transferred to Mauthausen concentration camp. His death is recorded in the death book of the site doctor in the medical camp of Mauthausen concentration camp as March 7, 1945.