Albums & Photographs of the Wilhelm Gustloff
Perhaps some of the best stories of the Gustloff are told through the photographs taken onboard during her voyages. With notable ocean liners, photos from the very beginning of their careers and from the very end are always the most sought due to their roles in history. The Wilhelm Gustloff is no different.
On these next pages, you will find hundreds of photos from the Gustloff with thumbnail images of passengers enjoying themselves on voyages to the various cities she visited. Our current Wilhelm Gustloff collection consists of 23 photo albums and 2,238 images!
The first grouping of photos are 13 unpublished images of the Wilhelm Gustloff's launch & construction and one builders photo. The page continues with photos and postcards of the Wilhelm Gustloff. Enjoy!
On these next pages, you will find hundreds of photos from the Gustloff with thumbnail images of passengers enjoying themselves on voyages to the various cities she visited. Our current Wilhelm Gustloff collection consists of 23 photo albums and 2,238 images!
The first grouping of photos are 13 unpublished images of the Wilhelm Gustloff's launch & construction and one builders photo. The page continues with photos and postcards of the Wilhelm Gustloff. Enjoy!
Launch Day Photographs of the Wilhelm Gustloff. May 5th, 1937
Blohm & Voss Original Builders Photo - #37 116
Shown above left is a set of eight photos taken during the launch of the Wilhelm Gustloff on May 5th, 1937.
Photo #1 shows the shipyard prepared for her launch.
Photos #2 & 3 show the side of the liner decked out in her launch attire. Very close shots to the ship.
Photo #4 shows (who appears to be) Adolf Hitler inspecting the new liner.
Photo #5 shows the Gustloff before her nameplate is shown with officials around.
Photos #6 & 7 show the nameplate reveal and the ship being launched. Notice how she moved between the two photos.
Photos #8 shows the Wilhelm Gustloff sliding into the water for the first time.
Photo #1 shows the shipyard prepared for her launch.
Photos #2 & 3 show the side of the liner decked out in her launch attire. Very close shots to the ship.
Photo #4 shows (who appears to be) Adolf Hitler inspecting the new liner.
Photo #5 shows the Gustloff before her nameplate is shown with officials around.
Photos #6 & 7 show the nameplate reveal and the ship being launched. Notice how she moved between the two photos.
Photos #8 shows the Wilhelm Gustloff sliding into the water for the first time.
Souvenir Photos of the Wilhelm Gustloff - Set of 12
Souvenir Postcards of the Wilhelm Gustloff - Set of 10
Wilhelm Gustloff Norwegian Cruise Photo Album - The Red Album
Souvenir Photos: 45, Voyage Photos: 82 = Total 127
Souvenir Photos: 45, Voyage Photos: 82 = Total 127
Of all the Wilhelm Gustloff albums in our collection, this one would have to rank as the favorite. In the beginning, there are 35 souvenir photos of the Gustloff and the Norwegian Fjords. It is a wonderful visual documentary of one girl and her friends onboard the liner for a trip to the fjords.
Nicknamed the 'red album' due to its bright cover, there are great detail shots of her decks and the passengers enjoying themselves at sea. Although the mützenband is cut at both ends to fit the album, it compliments one of the 3 variations shown under the souvenir section. Most of the photos shown below will be page views when it concerns souvenirs or land excursion photos. Photos taken onboard the Gustloff will be single and up close.
Nicknamed the 'red album' due to its bright cover, there are great detail shots of her decks and the passengers enjoying themselves at sea. Although the mützenband is cut at both ends to fit the album, it compliments one of the 3 variations shown under the souvenir section. Most of the photos shown below will be page views when it concerns souvenirs or land excursion photos. Photos taken onboard the Gustloff will be single and up close.
Wilhelm Gustloff Norwegian Cruise Photo Album - Large Souvenir Album
Voyage #17: September 18th, 1938 to September 23rd, 1938.
Souvenir Photos: 15, Voyage Photos: 73 = Total 88
Voyage #17: September 18th, 1938 to September 23rd, 1938.
Souvenir Photos: 15, Voyage Photos: 73 = Total 88
The first of several souvenir albums, begins with a luggage tag for September 18th - 23rd, 1938 with the name Hertha Lubche. Opposite page is a large photo of the Wilhelm Gustloff and two captain photos. I am not completely sure if the first captain is Carl Lübbe or not, the second is Heinrich Bertram.
The majority of the next photos are views of the Norwegian Fjords from the Gustloff's decks, then several photos of the ship returning to Hamburg.
The majority of the next photos are views of the Norwegian Fjords from the Gustloff's decks, then several photos of the ship returning to Hamburg.
Wilhelm Gustloff Italian Cruise Photo Album - Large Souvenir Album
Souvenir Photos: 166, Voyage Photos: 56 = Total 222
Souvenir Photos: 166, Voyage Photos: 56 = Total 222
This is the best condition souvenir album in the collection, looking as if it was just purchased onboard. The only down side is that while its previous owner went to Genoa, Naples, and Venice onboard the Gustloff, there are few photos taken on the ship. The majority of photos are all souvenir, while others for the voyage are mainly of the visits to the cities.
There are two pages which feature cruisers of the Italian Navy, which were taken from the liner.
Headings under various pages include: Durch Südtird, Mailand, Der Dom, Nach Genua, Campo, Santo, Nervi, Rapallo, Fahrt von Genua, O mia bella Napoli, & italienische Kreuzer.
There are two pages which feature cruisers of the Italian Navy, which were taken from the liner.
Headings under various pages include: Durch Südtird, Mailand, Der Dom, Nach Genua, Campo, Santo, Nervi, Rapallo, Fahrt von Genua, O mia bella Napoli, & italienische Kreuzer.
Photos Above - 1: M.S. Wilhelm Gustloff, 2: Wilhelm Gustloff Halle, 3: Schwimmbad, 4: Musikhalle, 5: Unteres Promenadendeck, 6: Theatersaal, 7: Grosse Halle, 8: Vordere Laube, 9: Mittehalle, 10: Hintere Halle, 11: Oberes Promenadendeck, 12: Vorderer Speisesaal
Albums and Photographs 2
Top Far Right: Just after launch from the river. (After that) Three photos of the Wilhelm Gustloff in outfitting.