Episode 21: The Wilhelm Gustlaff
Episode 21: The Sinking of the Wilhelm Gustlaff
In the icy cold January of 1945, all was quiet in the Baltic Sea. The Wilhelm Gustlaff floated silently along. Later that evening a national broadcast from Hitler blared through the boats speakers, echoing across the water.
A man named Aleksander took his shot.
In a loss of life that accounted to nearly 9000 people, the tragedy of the Wilhelm Gustlaff is that of the largest loss of human life at sea.
Listen to the podcast to learn more!
SHOW NOTES:
0:10 Peter’s Youth
When Peter turned 12 he found out he was adopted. But not only were his parents not his boilogical mother and father, but they had rescued him from a sinking ship when he was one year old.
2:00 The Encroachment of the Russians
In January of 1945, the Red Army was encroaching on German occupied Prussia, causing Nazi officials, cadets, and civillians alike to flee to the coat in attempts to escape.
2:56 The History of the Gustlaff
The Gustlaff was originally built as a holiday ship for Nazi officials. When the war started she was requisitioned by the Kreigsmarine to be used as a hospital ship, but allied blockades meant she spent over 4 years in port.
3:55 The Gustlaff Sets Sail
The Gustlaff set sail with 10,000 people on board, many of which were not ticketed and civillian women and children.
4:20 The Gustlaff is Spotted
A Russian submarine spots the Gustlaff sailing in the Baltic.
4:40 The Gustlafff is Hit
Russian captain, Aleksander Marinesko targets the Gustlaff and hits her with 3 torpedos.
5:12 Scenes of Terror on the Gustlaff
Scenes of death and horror, families killing each other, set the stage of the tragedy.
6:25 Patrol Boat 1703
Patrol boat 1703 is the last to arrive on the scene and is checking for any remaining survivors.
6:55 The Gustlaff Findling
Werner Fick discovers a small baby and claims it as his own. He names the babe Peter.
7:5- Peter’s Childhood
Peter grew up in Western Germany after the war and had a good childhood
8:40 Freymuller
Herman Freymuller was a Nazi official who claimed Peter was his son. He never gave up the custody battle. Living in East Germany made this challenging.
9:25 Peter’s Adult Life
Peter became a mariner as he grew up.
9:42 Heinz Schön
Heinz Schön was obsessed with the Gustlaff and also on board when the ship sank as a part of the crew. He is responsible for much of our knowledge of the Gustlaff.
10:40 The History Sinks Beneath the Waves with the Gustlaff
Though more than 9000 people died, the sinking did not gather much sympathy throughout Europe as it was a Nazi boat, even with most passengers being civillians.
Related Links:
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