Hermann Jochade

Born in Neuhaus im Solling [de], Jochade was the oldest of twelve siblings, and moved around as his father found work in railway construction.

Instead, he found work editing the journal of the German Railwaymen's Association, regularly facing fines and imprisonment for his writing.

[1] The leadership of the ITF was attracting criticism in the early 1900s, in contrast with Jochade's reputation as a well-organised, moderate but fearless leader.

[1] Jochade supported German participation in World War I, and in 1915 was drafted into the army, serving on the Western Front.

He also served on the executive of the German Transport Workers' Federation, and headed its literature department, but resigned in 1933, due to his steadfast opposition to the Nazis.