Max Heftmann grew up in the Austrian capital Vienna. In 1937 his brother Sigi died whilst serving in the Austrian army. His parents subsequently fled to the United States. Because his fianceé lived in The Netherlands, Max Heftmann didn't follow their example. During the war, Max Heftmann was arrested and deported to Mauthausen.
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For a biographical note see: H.E. Dominicus, Mauthausen. Een gedenkboek (2e herziene en uitgebreide druk; Amsterdam 1999) 63.