Before you stands the Gedenktafel fűr Fritz Henssler Plaque. A simple yet powerful memorial. It tells the story of a man who dedicated his life to fighting injustice. This plaque commemorates Fritz Henssler a prominent figure in Dortmund’s history. He was a social democrat a resistance fighter and later mayor of this very city.
Fritz Henssler’s life was a testament to resilience. Born in 1886 he began his career as a printer and typesetter. He moved to Dortmund in 1909. He joined the editorial staff of the Dortmunder Arbeiter-Zeitung. A newspaper that served as a voice for the working class. He quickly rose through the ranks becoming the managing editor. When World War I broke out the then-chief editor was conscripted. Henssler stepped up taking over his position.
His political activism continued even during wartime. In 1916 he was himself conscripted to the field artillery. Yet upon his return in 1918 he immediately resumed his editorial role. Henssler’s involvement in local politics grew. He became a member of the Dortmund City Council in 1918. His commitment to social welfare and public works led to significant developments in Dortmund. The Westfalenhalle and the Rote Erde stadium are testaments to his work.
With the Nazi seizure of power in 1933 his life took a drastic turn. He was arrested and imprisoned for his political beliefs. The Gestapo targeted him for his involvement in the Social Democratic resistance movement. After a year in the Steinwache prison he was sent to Sachsenhausen concentration camp. He remained there for eight years enduring harsh conditions. He narrowly escaped death on a death march in 1945. He survived nine years of imprisonment eight of them in a concentration camp. He never publicly detailed his experiences. He simply said “Nine years in prison eight in a concentration camp usual concentration camp treatment”.
After the war he returned to Dortmund. He immediately restarted his political career. He became a member of the state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia. He played a crucial role in rebuilding the trade union movement. In 1946 he assumed the role of Dortmund’s mayor. A post he held until his death in 1953. His health suffered greatly from the brutal conditions he faced during his imprisonment.
This Gedenktafel fűr Fritz Henssler Plaque is more than a simple inscription. It serves as a powerful reminder of his courage. It embodies his resilience and his unwavering dedication to social justice. It is a testament to the importance of remembering the struggles of the past. It is a tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the betterment of Dortmund. It’s a vital part of Dortmund’s identity. Let’s remember his fight for democracy and freedom.