Georg Weissel Austrian chemist and fire brigade leader Date of Birth: 28.03.1899 Country: Austria

1. Early Life and Political Activism
2. Resurgence of Underground Activity
3. Leadership in the Floridsdorf Uprising
4. Capture and Execution

Early Life and Political Activism

Georg Weissel was an Austrian chemist and firefighter who became actively involved in politics. In 1927, he became the leader of the local Schutzbund, a paramilitary organization associated with the Social Democratic Party. However, Weissel initially opposed illegal methods of resistance advocated by some within the Schutzbund.

Resurgence of Underground Activity

As the Austrian government shifted further to the right and banned the Schutzbund in 1933, Weissel resumed clandestine operations. As the commander of the fire brigade, he played a significant role in the February 1934 insurrection against the Austrofascist regime of Engelbert Dollfuss.

Leadership in the Floridsdorf Uprising

On February 13, 1934, Weissel led the fire brigade in support of the uprising in the Floridsdorf district of Vienna. An eyewitness account describes the brigade's valiant resistance: "The fire brigade, led by Comrade Weissel, came to our aid on the first day. They were few in number, only 60 men. But they fought valiantly. They were our first line of defense and engaged the government forces. The brigade held out for an entire day against enemy forces that outnumbered them ten to one."

Capture and Execution

Weissel's brigade was eventually overcome when government troops deployed poison gas. Weissel was captured by the Austrofascists and sentenced to death by a military court. He was executed on February 15 at the Vienna Regional Court. His body, along with those of other executed leaders, was buried in secret at the Vienna Central Cemetery. Their graves were later discovered with the help of cemetery workers.