1934: Fugitive Nazis Establish the “Austrian Legion”

Following the ban on the Nazi Party in June 1933, thousands of Austrians absconded to Germany. The Austrian Legion came into being there, and was housed in several camps in Bavaria. It was comprised, above all, of young Austrians who had fled to Germany due to their illegal Nazi activities, petty criminal acts, or for economic reasons.

After the failed coup attempt by Austrian Nazis in July 1934, thousands of people absconded to Germany once again – either directly from west Austria or via Yugoslavia. At its height in 1934, the Austrian Legion had approx. 10,000 members.