Harald Peder Kristensen Plaque

Amidst the echoes of history on Blegdamsvej, stands the Harald Peder Kristensen Plaque. This plaque, a simple metal testament, commemorates a life tragically cut short in the fight for freedom. The Harald Peder Kristensen Plaque isn’t just a piece of metal. It’s a window into a pivotal moment in Copenhagen’s history during World War II. It’s a stark reminder of the resistance against the Nazi occupation and the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens. On June 19, 1944, the air crackled with tension. A daring raid was planned against the Schalburgkorps, a Danish Nazi group headquartered in the commandeered Freemasons’ Hall on Blegdamsvej. Harald Peder Kristensen, a driver for the resistance group “1944,” played a vital role in this operation. He drove the truck carrying resistance fighters and weapons towards the hall. The plan was to detonate a bomb inside, crippling the Schalburgkorps’ operations. The resistance fighters, including famous figures like “Flammen” and “Citronen,” launched their attack. They exchanged fire with the Schalburgkorps members inside. However, the raid didn’t go as planned. The resistance met fierce resistance, and the firefight escalated. Tragically, amidst the chaos, Harald Peder Kristensen was shot and killed. His sacrifice, however, did not go unnoticed. His comrades managed to retrieve his body. Later, under the cover of darkness, they transported him to Søborg Mose, leaving him there after informing the police. This act, though seemingly grim, was a strategic move. It aimed to protect Kristensen’s identity and prevent the Gestapo from uncovering his affiliation with the resistance. The Harald Peder Kristensen Plaque, with its inscription “CHAUFFØR HARALD PEDER KRISTENSEN FALDT HER D. 19.6. 1944 I KAMPEN MOD URET OG VOLD. SAT AF KAMMERATER I KØBENHAVNS FRIVILLIGE LUFTFORSVAR,” serves as a poignant reminder of his bravery. It honors his commitment to freedom and his role in a pivotal moment in Copenhagen’s history. The plaque stands as a silent tribute, not just to Kristensen, but to all those who fought against oppression during the dark days of occupation.