Erich was born on 29 October 1903 in Saarbrücken, Germany to Adolphe and Caroline nee Heilbronner and he had two younger siblings Hedwig and Paul. Their parents were both murdered in the Holocaust.

Erich’s death certificate states that he worked as an export manager and was living at Otley Road, Leeds. Sadly, Erich’s mind was disturbed and he took his own life. His body was found at Wike Wood, Harewood in Leeds.