General Discussions
This is the place to discuss general issues related to the U-boat war or the war at sea in WWII.
RE: Wilhelm Gustloff Revisited
Posted by:
John Griffiths
()
Date: April 19, 2001 07:38PM
<HTML>Fin,
Many thanks for reminding each of us here that the war produced casualties who wore no uniforms and who are mostly forgotten - simply because they were German.
The Wilhelm Gustloff was a tragedy that never quite made the news like the Titanic did - though more lives were lost on the Wilhelm Gustloff. I believe she still holds the dubious honour of being the largest loss of life at sea ever. It has always intrigued me -mainly because the commander of the sub was decorated for his part in what can only be described as a war crime. Most of the images I have seen of the ship show her wearing the symbol of the Red Cross and while we can argue sematics, he surely must have known ( at that stage of the war ) that she would have been carrying civilians, women and children and wounded. That she was unable to defend herself. Yes, she also carried troops - but at that late stage of the war their value as front line material must have been dubious. It was, after all, a retreat by sea.
I would suggest that she was the easiest target. Then, at that stage of the war, reparations for what had been done in Russia probably took precedence over humanity. How revenge blinds our eyes!
The last paragraph of the quote you attached sent a shiver through me. Indeed, the account narrative was so forceful and vivid it allowed me to \'see\', if you will, some of what the writer saw - though perhaps my own experience and 20 years at sea also helped.
We must not forget - any of us - that whilst we research and talk maritime military history here, there were also casualties for whom service ( on all sides ) did not neccessarily mean wearing any uniform. Their sacrifice, whether voluntary or not, is also a part of that history we research and talk about.
More, is an integral part that is an important piece of the whole period.
Sobering account, Fin. Thankyou for sharing it.
Aye,
John</HTML>
Many thanks for reminding each of us here that the war produced casualties who wore no uniforms and who are mostly forgotten - simply because they were German.
The Wilhelm Gustloff was a tragedy that never quite made the news like the Titanic did - though more lives were lost on the Wilhelm Gustloff. I believe she still holds the dubious honour of being the largest loss of life at sea ever. It has always intrigued me -mainly because the commander of the sub was decorated for his part in what can only be described as a war crime. Most of the images I have seen of the ship show her wearing the symbol of the Red Cross and while we can argue sematics, he surely must have known ( at that stage of the war ) that she would have been carrying civilians, women and children and wounded. That she was unable to defend herself. Yes, she also carried troops - but at that late stage of the war their value as front line material must have been dubious. It was, after all, a retreat by sea.
I would suggest that she was the easiest target. Then, at that stage of the war, reparations for what had been done in Russia probably took precedence over humanity. How revenge blinds our eyes!
The last paragraph of the quote you attached sent a shiver through me. Indeed, the account narrative was so forceful and vivid it allowed me to \'see\', if you will, some of what the writer saw - though perhaps my own experience and 20 years at sea also helped.
We must not forget - any of us - that whilst we research and talk maritime military history here, there were also casualties for whom service ( on all sides ) did not neccessarily mean wearing any uniform. Their sacrifice, whether voluntary or not, is also a part of that history we research and talk about.
More, is an integral part that is an important piece of the whole period.
Sobering account, Fin. Thankyou for sharing it.
Aye,
John</HTML>
