Erich Knauf

An erotic poem by Kästner, with a frivolous illustration by Ohser, became a scandal, forcing all three to leave Saxony, whereupon Knauf moved to Berlin.

[1] Knauf was a member of the Independent Social Democratic Party, an editor of the newspaper, "Plauener Volkszeitung".

In 1930, Knauf published a semi-autobiographical novel, Ça ira ("It will" in French) about his experiences during the Kapp Putsch of the Weimar republic.

[1][2] After the Nazi Party seized power in 1933, the guild became "nazified" and Knauf quit in disgust, taking his secretary, Erna Donath with him.

He spent three months in protective custody in Sachsenhausen concentration camp and was expelled from all professional associations, as had Kästner and Ohser previously experienced.

Ohser, who was hard of hearing and spoke loudly, and Knauf complained about the war and passed the time making wisecracks about Adolf Hitler and Göring.

[1] Joseph Goebbels himself selected Freisler to preside over the trial and pressed for swift and harsh retribution.