Hans Hermann von Katte (1704-1730) was a lieutenant in the Prussian army, a youthful friend of the future King of Prussia, Frederick II, known as the Great, who paid for this friendship literally. Young Frederick had difficulty accepting the barracks upbringing and the military training imposed on him by his father (Frederick Wilhelm, called the sergeant king), so he decided to escape from the country. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. Arrested together with Katt, he was - as a deserter - taken to court. The king-father demanded the most severe punishment for both young men, but the court did not dare to pass judgment on the heir to the throne. Katty was sentenced to life imprisonment in the fortress, but the ruler commuted the sentence to death by the executioner's sword. The lieutenant was beheaded in Kostrzyn on November 6, 1730. Fryderyk was forced to watch it from the windows of the castle. Apparently he fainted, then became very ill, and finally surrendered to his father. The case received wide coverage throughout Europe. Poems, novels, plays were written about the young lieutenant, and films were also made - including: in 2008 "The Death of Hans Hermann von Katte", and in 2018 "Frederick and Katte". The 106 cm long sword with which he was beheaded also gained its own legend. It can be seen today in the museum in Brandenburg. At the Fisherman's Gate, on the wall of the Kattego Promenade, since 2015 there has been a commemorative plaque dedicated to him. It was founded by Teofana - Duchess von Sachsen-Katte.
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