Trial of Fritz Knoechlein - Trial Overview
The trial of Fritz Knoechlein took place in No 5 Court in the Rotherbaum district of Hamburg on 11th October, 1948, with Bert Pooley and Bill O'Callaghan testifying against him. Knoechlein was represented by Dr Uhde who claimed that his client had not been present on the day of the battle and that the British forces had used illegal dumdum bullets during the battle.
Knoechlein also claimed that he was tortured during his detention in the London Cage, being stripped, deprived of sleep, kicked by guards and starved. He also claimed he was made to walk in a circle for hours on end, doused in cold water and also made to run in circles whilst carrying heavy logs.
Knoechlein was found guilty and appealed for clemency as "he had a wife and four children" who depended on him. He was sentenced to be hanged and this was carried out on January 28th, 1949.
Knoechlein also claimed that he was tortured during his detention in the London Cage, being stripped, deprived of sleep, kicked by guards and starved. He also claimed he was made to walk in a circle for hours on end, doused in cold water and also made to run in circles whilst carrying heavy logs.
Knoechlein was found guilty and appealed for clemency as "he had a wife and four children" who depended on him. He was sentenced to be hanged and this was carried out on January 28th, 1949.