Auschwitz survivor and resistance fighter Freddie Knoller dies aged 100

In Belgium, Mr Knoller lived in two camps for Jewish refugees, but was arrested at the border with France as he attempted to flee following Germany's invasion in May 1940. 

He was sent to an internment camp but escaped to unoccupied France where he lived with relatives.  

Mr Knoller later joined a French Resistance group, but was betrayed and arrested. He was tortured and taken to Drancy transit camp. 

 He was deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau in October 1943 and after a death march, was deported to Mittelbau-Dora concentration camp. 

Liberated from Bergen-Belsen in April 1945, he was reunited with his brothers, Otto and Erich, in the US after the war.

His memoirs, Desperate Journey and Living with the Enemy, were published in 2005 and 2002.

Olivia Marks-Woldman, chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, led tributes for Mr Knoller on Wednesday. 

 She said, “I remember him speaking in Pinner synagogue a few years ago; on his feet for the full presentation and continuing for lengthy and thoughtful questioning. When the chair suggested it was time to wrap up, Freddie suggested we go dancing. 

 “This is how I shall remember Freddie, full of jokes and smiles despite the appalling horrors of his past.” 

Michael Newman, chief executive of the Association of Jewish Refugees, praised his work in schools and his contribution to supporting the welfare of survivors and refugees.

 “For many years he contributed to the work of one of our social welfare committees that oversaw the disbursal of welfare aid to survivors and refugees with the greatest needs.  

“He was also an engaging speaker in schools where he talked about his experiences fleeing Austria and life in occupied Belgium and France, before being deported to Auschwitz. 

“He will be greatly missed but forever fondly remembered, and we send our sincerest condolences to his beloved wife Freda and all the family.”