Background: August Eigruber was Gauleiter of Oberdonau (Upper Danube), a region of Austria, from 1939-1945. He was tried after World War II for crimes against humanity, convicted, and hanged on 28 May 1947. This is a newspaper report of his final radio speech on 1 May 1945. It makes interesting reading. He provides an update on the military situation, outlines who should leave endangered areas, and suggests that the real enemy is Bolshevism. American troops entered Linz on 5 May 1945. The population in general welcomed their arrival.
The source: “Nächsten Tage schwer und hart,” Oberdonau Zeitung (Linz), 1 May 1945, 2. The issue is available on ANNO. It was the last issue of the newspaper before the end of the war.
Gauleiter and Reichsstatthalter Eigruber spoke over the cable [audio transmissions delivered over cable lines] and radio systems to the population of Oberdonau on the eve of 1 May. He provided an overview of the current military situation and also rules of behavior for the coming days. Among other things the Gauleiter said:
Although the military siuation to the east in Gau Niederdonau and Gau Steiermark is remains stable and strong, despite the massed Bolshevist forces. However, since this morning (Monday) the Americans have been moving into Oberdonau with strong forces. Passau is under heavy artillery fire. North of Passau between the Danube and the Bohemian Forest the Americans are attacking Wegscheid and Oberkappel. They have set these areas and Kollershlag as well in flames. The Americans are moving this afternoon into Oberdonau, despite the brave resistance of our weak positions and have occupied Oberkappel and Putzleinsdorf. They advanced further into Lembach, but then retreated. The explained that they had encountered two strong enemy divisions. The enemy announced by radio two days ago that American troops were marching toward Linz, and today’s action provided evidence that the radio report was correct. As Reichverteidigungskommissar I have taken the appropriate measures.
Unfortunately I must today inform the populations of the western Mühl District, the western Bohemian Forest, and County Linz-Land north of the Danube that coming days will be very difficult and hard. The reason is that we Germans can oppose enemy attacks only with the forces available to us. All available Wehrmacht forces are in action. Every means of defense is being used.
The civilian population of villages can move to areas of the countryside that is unaffected by combat. The same is true for Linz. Women with small children and aged people’s comrades on the left bank of the Danube, in the Urfahr region, can immediately find safety in the Gallneukirchen-Pregarten district or on the right bank in County Linz-Land. The population of Linz on the right side of the Danube can find safety in Kremstal in County Linz-Land. There is no danger of military action in the Linz area for this evening. It is good, however, if all those in the areas I have mentioned have packed necessities in a suitcase or box.
I stress again that only women with small children and infants and the aged may leave the city and that the NSV will organize transportation, housing, and food. Work continues. All workers must remain in the city unless they are women with small children and infants. The same is true for foreigners who should remain in their camps if the enemy approaches. If Linz comes under artillery fire it will not be necessary to go to air raid shelters and tunnels. People may remain in their buildings or basements. The air danger is intensified by low-flying enemy aircraft. I will give brief updates to the population over cable and radio. Instructions to government offices will only be via cable.
Linz will not be declared a fortress because it lacks the military prerequisites. The Gau capital will, however, be defended. I have also today ordered that industrial and agricultural facilities will not be destroyed, with the exception of purely military facilities. The battle itself will be conducted by the Wehrmacht and subordinate Volkssturm units. Civilians should not actively engage in combat, but should assist only our troops — which is what I expect of each German.
We defend against the approaching enemy because we know that he is not coming to help our people, but rather in the end to destroy it. Our deadly enemy is coming from the east. We will fight him with all the fanaticism we have. We are using all our military strength against the Bolshevists. Whatever happens, the decision will fall in Niederdonau and Steiermark, just as it will on the entire eastern front. The motto is and will remain: stand fast and hold the East! Bolshevism may not advance any further!
The 75th ration period is beginning. Effective immediately, rations are doubled (with the exception of meat) in Linz, County Rohrbach, and Linz-Land north of the Danube. The double amounts given out are from the reserves for the 76th ration period and must therefore last until the end of June. I ask the population, and women in particular, to remain calm and be considerate in purchasing from shops. Steps have been taken some time ago to be sure that sufficient foodstuffs are in reserve.
And now, stay calm and assured during the coming difficult days. I will do all I can to maintain orderly conditions; at the same time, I will also ensure that order is maintained by all means necessary. Soldiers and members of the Volkssturm,we are defending our Gau capital Linz and our beautiful Mühl District.
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