Born: 1921 (Romny, Ukraine)
Died: 1943
Biography:
Tetyana Yosypivna Markus, also known as Tatiana Markus, was an influential member of the anti-Nazi underground in Kiev during World War II. Born on September 21, 1921, in the Shtetl of Romny, she came from a large Jewish family. A few years after her birth, Markus’ family relocated to Kiev, where she spent most of her childhood and early adult years.
Markus completed her education at School No. 44, graduating from the 9th form. In 1938, she secured a job as a secretary in the personnel department of the passenger service of the South-Western Railways. In the summer of 1940, she was transferred to Kishinev, where she worked in a tramway trolleybus park.
However, following the Romanian occupation of Kishinev, Markus returned to Kiev just as it fell into the hands of the Germans in 1941. This prompted her to join the underground resistance movement, where she would play a crucial role in undermining the Nazi regime.
Markus became actively involved in sabotage acts against the Nazis. She carried out dangerous missions, including throwing a grenade at a line of marching soldiers, disguising it as a bouquet of asters. To further protect her identity, she assumed the alias Marcousisse and fabricated a legend about being the daughter of a Georgian prince executed by the Bolsheviks. Under this false identity, she was hired to work in an officer dining room. It was in this capacity that she continued her sabotage activities by poisoning the food of SS officers, resulting in several deaths.
Markus demonstrated exceptional bravery and resourcefulness in carrying out these acts of resistance. She was not only skilled at eliminating high-value targets, but also at gathering and transmitting vital underground information. Markus used her natural charms to her advantage, attracting the attention of many German officers who proved to be valuable targets. In one notable instance, she killed a high-ranking official from Berlin who had come to fight against partisans and underground fighters.
Throughout her tenure in the underground, Markus eliminated dozens of German soldiers and officers, leaving a chilling note after one killing: All of you, fascist reptiles are waiting for the same fate. Tetyana Markosidze.
Recognizing her importance to the resistance movement, the Soviet underground leadership made plans to extract Markus from the city and join the partisans. Unfortunately, those efforts were unsuccessful. On August 22, 1942, Markus was captured by the Gestapo while attempting to cross the Dnieper. She endured horrific torture for five months but remained steadfast, refusing to betray her comrades.
Tragically, on January 29, 1943, Markus was executed by the Gestapo. Her courageous actions and unyielding dedication to the cause earned her a place in history as a true heroine.
Legacy:
Tatiana Markus left behind a lasting legacy, remembered as an iconic figure in the annals of resistance against Nazi occupation in Ukraine. A memorial plaque was dedicated to her at Kiev School No. 44, although it was unfortunately destroyed in the spring of 2016. Nevertheless, her memory lives on through the stories and remembrances of those who recognize her bravery and sacrifice.
In recognition of her exceptional courage and heroic self-sacrifice, Markus was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Golden Star on her birthday, September 21, 2006. This prestigious honor acknowledges the invincibility of her spirit in the fight against fascist invaders during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.
Tatiana Markus’s unwavering commitment to the resistance movement and her remarkable acts of bravery serve as an inspiration to future generations. Her legacy stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fought against tyranny and oppression, particularly within the context of women’s history.