Other publications used directly onboard the ship include Bord Zeitung, the KDF's onboard newsletters, and Neueste Meldungen, or latest information from the outside world.
There were also the typical books, magazines, and special publications for the Gustloff. This page focuses on the items published during the Wilhelm Gustloff's lifetime - 1937 - 1945.
There were also the typical books, magazines, and special publications for the Gustloff. This page focuses on the items published during the Wilhelm Gustloff's lifetime - 1937 - 1945.
Wilhelm Gustloff Publications
Primary Sources: 1937 - 1945
Primary Sources: 1937 - 1945
Neueste Meldungen:
August 4th, 1938, Handed out to passengers aboard the 10th Cruise of the Wilhelm Gustloff to the Fjords of Norway. Translates roughly as "Latest Information" and provided some very basic (and strictly controlled) news from the world. Interestingly contains a note at the bottom informing passengers that they can 'telephone home' at a cost of 5 RM for 3 minutes. Considering a standard weekend cruise cost about 50 RM, this was quite expensive.
Information Source: Wilhelmgustloff.com
August 4th, 1938, Handed out to passengers aboard the 10th Cruise of the Wilhelm Gustloff to the Fjords of Norway. Translates roughly as "Latest Information" and provided some very basic (and strictly controlled) news from the world. Interestingly contains a note at the bottom informing passengers that they can 'telephone home' at a cost of 5 RM for 3 minutes. Considering a standard weekend cruise cost about 50 RM, this was quite expensive.
Information Source: Wilhelmgustloff.com
Energie Magazine - May, 1937
Inside cover article on building the Gustloff.
Inside cover article on building the Gustloff.
Energie Magazine - June, 1937
Back page photograph on the Gustloff construction after 1 month.
Back page photograph on the Gustloff construction after 1 month.
LIFE Magazine
May 2nd, 1938
In a week of events, an article on the Wilhelm Gustloff being used as a polling station for Austria's annexation into Germany.
Also in our collection are three menus and a table card for this voyage - which is available under the Speisekarten page.
The magazine article is posted here and all other information on her Polling Station Cruise is posted under the London Polling Station page.
May 2nd, 1938
In a week of events, an article on the Wilhelm Gustloff being used as a polling station for Austria's annexation into Germany.
Also in our collection are three menus and a table card for this voyage - which is available under the Speisekarten page.
The magazine article is posted here and all other information on her Polling Station Cruise is posted under the London Polling Station page.
Buch: Unter Dem Sonnenrad or "Under the Sun"
Unter dem Sonnenrad was a propaganda book intended to glorify the history and benefits of the Nazi organization repsonsible for creating the Wilhelm Gustloff - "Kraft durch Freude" (Strength through Joy). "Sonnenrad" - a synonym for "Swastika" has its roots in the Norse meaning for sun. The intention was clearly to draw attention to the KdF logo. The book is structured to cover each of the fundamental areas of the KdF (and make comparison's to supposed "dismal" life before the Nazi's came to power). Numerous photos of the Gustloff appear throughout the book.
The photo of the funnel on the dustjacket cover (missing) is that of Gustloff "sister" ship, the Robert Ley. Since this book was published in 1938, it must have been taken before the Ley was delivered, but just after the funnel was installed (late 1938). The photo on the cover is inside the book on a full page. Attached to the inside of the back cover is a fold-out map that is intended to impress with the reach of the KdF and all those who have participated in KdF travels. This map claims 540,073 cruise participants (on ALL KdF ships) between 1934 and October 1938. Source: www.wilhelmgustloff.com
Unter dem Sonnenrad was a propaganda book intended to glorify the history and benefits of the Nazi organization repsonsible for creating the Wilhelm Gustloff - "Kraft durch Freude" (Strength through Joy). "Sonnenrad" - a synonym for "Swastika" has its roots in the Norse meaning for sun. The intention was clearly to draw attention to the KdF logo. The book is structured to cover each of the fundamental areas of the KdF (and make comparison's to supposed "dismal" life before the Nazi's came to power). Numerous photos of the Gustloff appear throughout the book.
The photo of the funnel on the dustjacket cover (missing) is that of Gustloff "sister" ship, the Robert Ley. Since this book was published in 1938, it must have been taken before the Ley was delivered, but just after the funnel was installed (late 1938). The photo on the cover is inside the book on a full page. Attached to the inside of the back cover is a fold-out map that is intended to impress with the reach of the KdF and all those who have participated in KdF travels. This map claims 540,073 cruise participants (on ALL KdF ships) between 1934 and October 1938. Source: www.wilhelmgustloff.com
Click to enlarge. Notice how in the first photo the image of the Gustloff is cut and pasted into the photo.
Dralowid Nachrichten Publication - 6/1938.
Featuring the Wilhelm Gustloff's radio room and inner technologies.
Featuring the Wilhelm Gustloff's radio room and inner technologies.
World War II - U.S. Army Air Force German Ship Identification Slides
Less of a publication and more of an interesting collection are 12 slides to help the U.S. Air Force identify ships during World War II. Slides include the Wilhelm Gustloff (below), Patria, Deutschland, Belgrano, Berlin, Rio Grande, Cap Arcona, Cariba, Prestoria, Mowe, Potsdam, and Hamburg.
Less of a publication and more of an interesting collection are 12 slides to help the U.S. Air Force identify ships during World War II. Slides include the Wilhelm Gustloff (below), Patria, Deutschland, Belgrano, Berlin, Rio Grande, Cap Arcona, Cariba, Prestoria, Mowe, Potsdam, and Hamburg.
Lazarettschiff D
Technical Book for the year 1937 with launching of the Wilhelm Gustloff on the cover.
VDI - Verlag GmbH, Berlin
Zeitschrift Des Vereines Deutscher Ingenieure
"Journal of the Association of German Engineers"
Responsible Director: W. Parey
Volume 82
Complete listing of all 53 journals for 1938.
With over 3,000 images and four panels
1520 pages in the format 29.5 x 22 cm
(Below): VDI - Zeitscheift, Bd 82. Nr. 49 - December 3rd, 1938.
Article on the Flagship of the KdF Fleet - The Wilhelm Gustloff
Includes deck plans and detailed layouts for her cabins.
Zeitschrift Des Vereines Deutscher Ingenieure
"Journal of the Association of German Engineers"
Responsible Director: W. Parey
Volume 82
Complete listing of all 53 journals for 1938.
With over 3,000 images and four panels
1520 pages in the format 29.5 x 22 cm
(Below): VDI - Zeitscheift, Bd 82. Nr. 49 - December 3rd, 1938.
Article on the Flagship of the KdF Fleet - The Wilhelm Gustloff
Includes deck plans and detailed layouts for her cabins.
Interesting article in VDI - Zeitschrift, Bd 82.
Nr. 13 March 26th, 1938
- Article on the Express Ship of the Future. Several features point to a futuristic version of the Wilhelm Gustloff to be built if the Third Reich had not fallen. An interesting image to say the least. Note how there are no funnels on the ship. In a strange way, this ship vaguely reminds me of the current Queen Mary 2.
Nr. 13 March 26th, 1938
- Article on the Express Ship of the Future. Several features point to a futuristic version of the Wilhelm Gustloff to be built if the Third Reich had not fallen. An interesting image to say the least. Note how there are no funnels on the ship. In a strange way, this ship vaguely reminds me of the current Queen Mary 2.
Bord Zeitung or Onboard Paper. Nr. 4 - 1937. On-board "mini" standardized newspaper / magazine for vacationers on KdF cruises during 1937. An insert with 'latest news' indicates that this particular issue was distributed on August 8, 1937 for passengers on board the Monte Olivia. The cover displays the Gustloff under construction at Blohm & Voss Shipyard #511 in Hamburg. Inside an article references the new look of the coming KdF ships. Source: wilhelmgustloff.com.
Der Sonne Entgegen or "Contrary to the Sun". Subtitle: Deutsche Arbeiter fahren nach Madeira, Italien, Afrika, und Griechenland or "German workers go to Madeira, Italy, Africa, and Greece". Published 1940. 120 pages, the first 72 are the book itself - the last are images from the voyages. The first image is Hitler on an unnamed ship watching the Robert Ley leave port.
Schönheit Der Arbeit or "The Beauty of Working"
Berlin, July 1938, Volume 3, Issue 3
Main Article: "Wilhelm Gustloff" - The Image of a Ship.
Featuring 36 images of her public rooms and of passengers
and crew onboard the ship. Includes obscure photos of her
Writing Room, Gymnasium, and Library.
Berlin, July 1938, Volume 3, Issue 3
Main Article: "Wilhelm Gustloff" - The Image of a Ship.
Featuring 36 images of her public rooms and of passengers
and crew onboard the ship. Includes obscure photos of her
Writing Room, Gymnasium, and Library.
Two additional Neueste Nachrichtens - August 9th & 10th, 1038. The title was changed and translates to Latest News rather than information.
1939 Edition: Die Kunst Im Deutschen Reich or "Art in the German Reich".
3. Jahrgang / Folge 12 - Ausgabe B - Dezember 1939
Third Year - Episode 12 - Issue B - December 1939
Article: The Art and Archetecture of the KdF ships Wilhelm Gustloff and Robert Ley.
3. Jahrgang / Folge 12 - Ausgabe B - Dezember 1939
Third Year - Episode 12 - Issue B - December 1939
Article: The Art and Archetecture of the KdF ships Wilhelm Gustloff and Robert Ley.
Der Hamburger Hafen or "The Port of Hamburg" - Summer of 1939
Great photography book on the port of Hamburg and the various ships which called it home. The first image in the book shows Hitler at the launch of the Wilhelm Gustloff in 1937. Other images include the Robert Ley, Wilhelm Gustloff in drydock getting her propellers added, and the Cap Arcona. The 7th image shows the Wilhelm Gustloff in outfitting - getting her anchors, lifeboat davits (not yet painted white), and name painted on her bow.
Great photography book on the port of Hamburg and the various ships which called it home. The first image in the book shows Hitler at the launch of the Wilhelm Gustloff in 1937. Other images include the Robert Ley, Wilhelm Gustloff in drydock getting her propellers added, and the Cap Arcona. The 7th image shows the Wilhelm Gustloff in outfitting - getting her anchors, lifeboat davits (not yet painted white), and name painted on her bow.
Die Weite Welt or "The Fare World" Magazine - May 7th, 1939
Shows the Wilhelm Gustloff in the process of being finished with the name and lifeboat additions.
Shows the Wilhelm Gustloff in the process of being finished with the name and lifeboat additions.
Dien Urlaub 1939 or Your Holiday 1939
Vacation Guide from the KdF on various towns and itineraries - 48 pages.
Vacation Guide from the KdF on various towns and itineraries - 48 pages.
Energie Magazine - April, 1938
The Gustloff being outfitted on the cover, onboard the Gustloff inside.
The Gustloff being outfitted on the cover, onboard the Gustloff inside.
Kraft Durch Freude - Monatsheft der Deutschen Arbeitsfront - NSG.
Folge 8, August 1939, 6 Jahrgang.
Kraft durch Freude - Monthly Bulletin of the German Labor Front - NSG.
Episode 8, August 1939, Volume 6.
First page is missing with the cover article. On the cover, passengers stroll along the desk of either the Wilhelm Gustloff or Robert Ley.
Folge 8, August 1939, 6 Jahrgang.
Kraft durch Freude - Monthly Bulletin of the German Labor Front - NSG.
Episode 8, August 1939, Volume 6.
First page is missing with the cover article. On the cover, passengers stroll along the desk of either the Wilhelm Gustloff or Robert Ley.
Neueste Nachrichten - Onboard Newspapers.
Below group of three dated June 4th, 5th, and 6th, 1939
Thumbnails dated July 27th, and 18th, 1938.
Additional onboard papers can be seen under the Maiden Voyage page.
Below group of three dated June 4th, 5th, and 6th, 1939
Thumbnails dated July 27th, and 18th, 1938.
Additional onboard papers can be seen under the Maiden Voyage page.
Die Deutsche Arbeitsfront
NS - Gemeinschaft "Kraft Durch Freude"
5 Jahrgang - April 1938 - Nummer 4.
NS - Gemeinschaft "Kraft Durch Freude"
5 Jahrgang - April 1938 - Nummer 4.
Wehrarbeit - DAF 86
Fachl. Schulungsblatt der DAF
Abteilung Wehrmacht
Berlin - Mai 1938
3. Jahrgang. Folge 5
Fachl. Schulungsblatt der DAF
Abteilung Wehrmacht
Berlin - Mai 1938
3. Jahrgang. Folge 5
Wehrarbeit - DAF 86
Fachl. Schulungsblatt der DAF
Abteilung Wehrmacht
Berlin - April 1938
3. Jahrgang. Folge 4
Fachl. Schulungsblatt der DAF
Abteilung Wehrmacht
Berlin - April 1938
3. Jahrgang. Folge 4
Book: Volk zu Schiff by Jakob Schaffner
Published in 1936, features several photos onboard various KdF ships.
Published in 1936, features several photos onboard various KdF ships.
Norwegenfahrt der Betriebsgemeinschaft - Die Rune
Deutsche Sachversicherung - Hamburg
Vom 29. April - 4. Mai 1939
Norway Trip of Joint Business - The Rune
German property insurance - Hamburg
Of 29 April - 4 May 1939
Deutsche Sachversicherung - Hamburg
Vom 29. April - 4. Mai 1939
Norway Trip of Joint Business - The Rune
German property insurance - Hamburg
Of 29 April - 4 May 1939
Die Neuzeitliche Kommandobrücke or The Modern Bridge
Probably published in 1939 - Copy hand dated August 9th, 1940.
EVERYTHING you could possibly want to know about the
bridges of the Wilhelm Gustloff and Robert Ley.
96 pages, 83 diagrams and photos!
Probably published in 1939 - Copy hand dated August 9th, 1940.
EVERYTHING you could possibly want to know about the
bridges of the Wilhelm Gustloff and Robert Ley.
96 pages, 83 diagrams and photos!
Die Woche or The Week - November 23rd, 1938.
Several images from the Gustloff's 20th voyage in Italy, including a never before seen images of the inside of her barber shop! Also includes a great shot of passengers enjoying the pool below decks.
Several images from the Gustloff's 20th voyage in Italy, including a never before seen images of the inside of her barber shop! Also includes a great shot of passengers enjoying the pool below decks.