The S.S. Pegaway Rescue
April 3rd, 1938 - April 4th, 1938
April 3rd, 1938 - April 4th, 1938
The Wilhelm Gustloff completed her first trials at sea, as well as a 'trial cruise' where screened passengers and journalists were onboard so the liner could be shown off. The first cruise and its proactive Austrian agenda was not the typical “Strength through Joy” voyage. The second cruise would also prove to be uncharacteristic - except in this case the propaganda was unplanned.
Like the first, this was a three-day cruise. This time, the Wilhelm Gustloff will head toward the Strait of Dover instead of the North Sea . Leaving Hamburg on April the 2nd, the Gustloff will be joined by three other KdF ships: Der Deutsche, Oceana, and Sierra Cordoba.
One day into the cruise heading westward toward the English Channel, the Gustloff encounters uncooperative weather – much worse than encountered during its test run over two weeks earlier. More ominously, its radio room receives an SOS from an 1,825 ton English cargo ship Pegaway. A victim of the storm, it is damaged, rudderless and sinking 25 miles northwest of Terschelling Island, Netherlands.
Captain Lübbe orders an immediate course set for the Pegaway, and breaks away from his three-ship entourage. Dutch salvage tug Holland also heads to the scene. The crew spots the failing ship with searchlights within a couple of hours. However, the weather worsens and it is 7:45am the next morning before nineteen (19) seamen from the condemned English freighter are rescued using one of the Gustloff’s motorboats. The same motorboat is also used to rescue one of the Gustloff’s own lifeboats and crew. The solitary lifeboat (Number 1) had been used in an earlier attempt to rescue the English sailors, but is thrashed against the side of the ship and careens off with heavy damage. It eventually washes up on the shores of Terschelling Island on May 2. The rescued sailors are on board as the Gustloff rejoins its detached fleet and returns to Hamburg at noon on April 5 to a thunderous welcome. The heroic rescue plays well in the media. Local and international newspapers laud the efforts of the captain and crew. Source: Wilhelmgustloff.com.
Like the first, this was a three-day cruise. This time, the Wilhelm Gustloff will head toward the Strait of Dover instead of the North Sea . Leaving Hamburg on April the 2nd, the Gustloff will be joined by three other KdF ships: Der Deutsche, Oceana, and Sierra Cordoba.
One day into the cruise heading westward toward the English Channel, the Gustloff encounters uncooperative weather – much worse than encountered during its test run over two weeks earlier. More ominously, its radio room receives an SOS from an 1,825 ton English cargo ship Pegaway. A victim of the storm, it is damaged, rudderless and sinking 25 miles northwest of Terschelling Island, Netherlands.
Captain Lübbe orders an immediate course set for the Pegaway, and breaks away from his three-ship entourage. Dutch salvage tug Holland also heads to the scene. The crew spots the failing ship with searchlights within a couple of hours. However, the weather worsens and it is 7:45am the next morning before nineteen (19) seamen from the condemned English freighter are rescued using one of the Gustloff’s motorboats. The same motorboat is also used to rescue one of the Gustloff’s own lifeboats and crew. The solitary lifeboat (Number 1) had been used in an earlier attempt to rescue the English sailors, but is thrashed against the side of the ship and careens off with heavy damage. It eventually washes up on the shores of Terschelling Island on May 2. The rescued sailors are on board as the Gustloff rejoins its detached fleet and returns to Hamburg at noon on April 5 to a thunderous welcome. The heroic rescue plays well in the media. Local and international newspapers laud the efforts of the captain and crew. Source: Wilhelmgustloff.com.
Set of 13 original photos of the Pegaway rescue taken by a passenger onboard the Wilhelm Gustloff.
April 4th, 1938 & includes an original newspaper article focusing on the rescue with translation.
April 4th, 1938 & includes an original newspaper article focusing on the rescue with translation.
To view original film footage of the rescue and the Pegaway sinking, as well as stills from the film, please visit:
North Sea Drama
http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=14338
Also posted on Youtube by titanichistorian - Shown Below via link:
North Sea Drama
http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=14338
Also posted on Youtube by titanichistorian - Shown Below via link:
London Polling Station
Pegaway Statistics:
Built in 1924 by Smiths Dock, Middlesbrough
Weight: 1826 tons
Length: 260', Beam: 39.2'
Owners: Hill Steam Navigation Company
Registered Port: New Castle
Order #31623
Official #148067
Built in 1924 by Smiths Dock, Middlesbrough
Weight: 1826 tons
Length: 260', Beam: 39.2'
Owners: Hill Steam Navigation Company
Registered Port: New Castle
Order #31623
Official #148067
Photogtaph Translations:
#1: The Gustloff approaching the Pegaway.
#2: "English coal ship "Pegaway" in distress, M.S. Gustloff is assisting to rescue."
#3,4: The Pegaway riding the waves.
#5: Preparing to launch the Gustloff lifeboat.
#6: Launching the rescue lifeboat.
#7: Back of card: Unknown.
#8: Lifeboat returning with passengers & crew.
#9: Mentions a rowboat and dated April 4th, 1938.
#10: Lifeboat against the Gustloff.
#11: "The ones who were saved in boat 6, 3 April 1938 Wind force at night hurricane."
#12: Passengers and crew on by the boat station.
#13: Back of Card: Untranslated.
#14: Storm waves from the rescue.
#15: Mentions Terschelling (where it all took place)
#16: Passengers on deck.
#17: Untranslated
#18: Passengers and crew on deck.
#19: Passengers and crew on deck.
#20: Survivors of the Pegaway being tended to by the crew of the Wilhelm Gustloff in her dining room.
#21: William Martin Liddle
68 Green Lane
South Shields
C/O? England
S/S Pegaway 2 Crew rescued by the Wilhelm Gustloff.
#1: The Gustloff approaching the Pegaway.
#2: "English coal ship "Pegaway" in distress, M.S. Gustloff is assisting to rescue."
#3,4: The Pegaway riding the waves.
#5: Preparing to launch the Gustloff lifeboat.
#6: Launching the rescue lifeboat.
#7: Back of card: Unknown.
#8: Lifeboat returning with passengers & crew.
#9: Mentions a rowboat and dated April 4th, 1938.
#10: Lifeboat against the Gustloff.
#11: "The ones who were saved in boat 6, 3 April 1938 Wind force at night hurricane."
#12: Passengers and crew on by the boat station.
#13: Back of Card: Untranslated.
#14: Storm waves from the rescue.
#15: Mentions Terschelling (where it all took place)
#16: Passengers on deck.
#17: Untranslated
#18: Passengers and crew on deck.
#19: Passengers and crew on deck.
#20: Survivors of the Pegaway being tended to by the crew of the Wilhelm Gustloff in her dining room.
#21: William Martin Liddle
68 Green Lane
South Shields
C/O? England
S/S Pegaway 2 Crew rescued by the Wilhelm Gustloff.
Original Newspaper Article on the Wilhelm Gustloff rescue of the Pegaway crew.
Translation:
This morning the “Wilhelm Gustloff” accomplished a unique rescue operation under most difficult conditions. About 4 a.m. the holiday cruiseliner received SOS calls of the English 2000 tons steamer “Pegaway”, drifting not under command approximately 20 nautical miles North-North-West of Terschelling light-ship. “Wilhelm Gustloff” immediately set course for the sinking ship and arrived on scene at 0600.
Under supervision of Captain Lübbe the rescue operation started immediately: despite heavy seas one Rescue boat under command of 2nd Officer Meyer was lowered into the water. However, due to the difficulties to run against the storm and high waves it couldn’t reach the disabled ship. It was Rescue boat No 6 under 2nd Officer Schurmann which made it, heavily battered by the sea, to approach the English heavy listing vessel from the port side. All crew of 18, together with their Captain were brought on board of “Gustloff”.
Following report was submitted by our editor who participated in the voyage:
This is not the first rescue accomplished by a KdF-ship. We remember the French pilots which were rescued by “Der Deutsche” off the Dutch coast two years ago. To lower the boats under these conditions today was an outstanding accomplishment. Like greenish, crystal-clear walls the waves were closing in. Two boats fighting hard. The heavily listing English vessel, battling the seas and water up to the gunnels, was just a few hundred meters away from “Gustloff”. A thousand passengers were witnessing the breathtaking rescue. Rescue boat No. 6 managed after a hard fight against the waves to approach the steamer from the port side; two crewmembers with fenders, two other with boathooks avoiding the boat smashing into the ship’s side – the others were helping the “Pegaway” crew, which jumped one by one into the boat. Difficult return.
A superb achievement was the safe return of the rescue boat, which was endangered by getting shattered on the ship’s side. First all English and parts of the rescue boat crew came up on pilot ladders, while four remained in the rescue boat and lifted under assistance of the ships crew the boat back on deck. There was a great atmosphere on board and when the deck haler announced the successful return of the first rescue boat a cheering crowd could be heard. As the risk was just too big it was impossible to bring the other rescue boat back on board; after its crew was back on board the boat was let adrift. Our reporting editor was able to get access to the ship’s hospital where the rescued men were accommodated for a while.
There were these dirty, coal stained and skinny bodies, outfitted with warm clothing which was handed over in unselfish comradeship by “Gustloff's" crew, standing in front of the long row of white beds. “We were fighting the storm for 36 hours”, they report. “On Saturday morning we departed from the Tyne with coal, destination Hamburg. The storm hit us on Sunday morning. It was a desperate fight. We lost cargo into the sea. She was in disabled in her manoeuvrability, wave after wave buried us. Then the darkness all over the ship, no place left dry and the uncertainty when the storm will calm down.
Hamburg’s congratulations
KdF-ship “Wilhelm Gustloff”
Capt. Lübbe
My congratulations to ship’s senior officers and all other staff to the exceptional rescue at Terschelling. The city of Hamburg is proud of its KdF ship and their men.
Heil Hitler! Kaufmann, Gauleiter and Reichsstatthalter
About 4 a.m. the Captain made the decision to send distress calls, which were received by “Gustloff”. During the rescue another English vessel of the Blue Star Line arrived on scene. Her help was not necessary anymore. The rescued Englishmen, not much more left as just the bare life, took a bath and were the brought to comfortable cabins. One of them, the horror of the past hours still written in his face, not even has shoes on. Another one shows his watch – the only valuable item he could salvage. However, all of them happy to be safe and sometimes you can even see a smile here or there.
“Gustloff's" voyage through the storm
The report of our editor ends here. But the radio transmission Hamburg – “Wilhelm Gustloff” is still ongoing. Sometimes the operator of radio station “Norddeich Radio” in between. Hauling, whistling, background noise - one moment later everything crystal clear. “How was the voyaage in general?” – silence. “Now we are through the worst. The ship’s motion eased off a bit. This was a storm! Many here on board were seasick. However, the atmosphere is good. When some people from Hamburg have heard that I will phone Hamburg they asked me to send their regards via the “Tageblatt” to their beloved ones. They are fine they want them to know.”. “How behaves the ship in such heavy weather?” – “Of course it is not as still as a pontoon. But she has a good sea-worthiness. “Gustloff” has certainly made her rehearsal yesterday. The ship’s senior officers is fully satisfied with her performance as well. Funny comparisons were made yesterday and last night: at some times you might have thought to be on a pathway in the mountains: one moment steep downhill and as next you have to climb same as Alpinists are doing it. However, the ship’s motion is reasonable comfortable because it all happens not too abrupt. This is mainly due to the size of this vessel. Tomorrow noon we will be back in Hamburg. Everything else then face to face.”
(Further reports about the storm on the following pages.)
Translator's Notes:
Tyne … river in middle England
Gauleiter … chief of district
Reichsstatthalter … state’s gouvenor
Tageblatt … newspaper
Schiffsfuehrung … here: the leaders of the vessel but translated with “ship’s senior officers” due to lack of a more sufficient word
This morning the “Wilhelm Gustloff” accomplished a unique rescue operation under most difficult conditions. About 4 a.m. the holiday cruiseliner received SOS calls of the English 2000 tons steamer “Pegaway”, drifting not under command approximately 20 nautical miles North-North-West of Terschelling light-ship. “Wilhelm Gustloff” immediately set course for the sinking ship and arrived on scene at 0600.
Under supervision of Captain Lübbe the rescue operation started immediately: despite heavy seas one Rescue boat under command of 2nd Officer Meyer was lowered into the water. However, due to the difficulties to run against the storm and high waves it couldn’t reach the disabled ship. It was Rescue boat No 6 under 2nd Officer Schurmann which made it, heavily battered by the sea, to approach the English heavy listing vessel from the port side. All crew of 18, together with their Captain were brought on board of “Gustloff”.
Following report was submitted by our editor who participated in the voyage:
This is not the first rescue accomplished by a KdF-ship. We remember the French pilots which were rescued by “Der Deutsche” off the Dutch coast two years ago. To lower the boats under these conditions today was an outstanding accomplishment. Like greenish, crystal-clear walls the waves were closing in. Two boats fighting hard. The heavily listing English vessel, battling the seas and water up to the gunnels, was just a few hundred meters away from “Gustloff”. A thousand passengers were witnessing the breathtaking rescue. Rescue boat No. 6 managed after a hard fight against the waves to approach the steamer from the port side; two crewmembers with fenders, two other with boathooks avoiding the boat smashing into the ship’s side – the others were helping the “Pegaway” crew, which jumped one by one into the boat. Difficult return.
A superb achievement was the safe return of the rescue boat, which was endangered by getting shattered on the ship’s side. First all English and parts of the rescue boat crew came up on pilot ladders, while four remained in the rescue boat and lifted under assistance of the ships crew the boat back on deck. There was a great atmosphere on board and when the deck haler announced the successful return of the first rescue boat a cheering crowd could be heard. As the risk was just too big it was impossible to bring the other rescue boat back on board; after its crew was back on board the boat was let adrift. Our reporting editor was able to get access to the ship’s hospital where the rescued men were accommodated for a while.
There were these dirty, coal stained and skinny bodies, outfitted with warm clothing which was handed over in unselfish comradeship by “Gustloff's" crew, standing in front of the long row of white beds. “We were fighting the storm for 36 hours”, they report. “On Saturday morning we departed from the Tyne with coal, destination Hamburg. The storm hit us on Sunday morning. It was a desperate fight. We lost cargo into the sea. She was in disabled in her manoeuvrability, wave after wave buried us. Then the darkness all over the ship, no place left dry and the uncertainty when the storm will calm down.
Hamburg’s congratulations
KdF-ship “Wilhelm Gustloff”
Capt. Lübbe
My congratulations to ship’s senior officers and all other staff to the exceptional rescue at Terschelling. The city of Hamburg is proud of its KdF ship and their men.
Heil Hitler! Kaufmann, Gauleiter and Reichsstatthalter
About 4 a.m. the Captain made the decision to send distress calls, which were received by “Gustloff”. During the rescue another English vessel of the Blue Star Line arrived on scene. Her help was not necessary anymore. The rescued Englishmen, not much more left as just the bare life, took a bath and were the brought to comfortable cabins. One of them, the horror of the past hours still written in his face, not even has shoes on. Another one shows his watch – the only valuable item he could salvage. However, all of them happy to be safe and sometimes you can even see a smile here or there.
“Gustloff's" voyage through the storm
The report of our editor ends here. But the radio transmission Hamburg – “Wilhelm Gustloff” is still ongoing. Sometimes the operator of radio station “Norddeich Radio” in between. Hauling, whistling, background noise - one moment later everything crystal clear. “How was the voyaage in general?” – silence. “Now we are through the worst. The ship’s motion eased off a bit. This was a storm! Many here on board were seasick. However, the atmosphere is good. When some people from Hamburg have heard that I will phone Hamburg they asked me to send their regards via the “Tageblatt” to their beloved ones. They are fine they want them to know.”. “How behaves the ship in such heavy weather?” – “Of course it is not as still as a pontoon. But she has a good sea-worthiness. “Gustloff” has certainly made her rehearsal yesterday. The ship’s senior officers is fully satisfied with her performance as well. Funny comparisons were made yesterday and last night: at some times you might have thought to be on a pathway in the mountains: one moment steep downhill and as next you have to climb same as Alpinists are doing it. However, the ship’s motion is reasonable comfortable because it all happens not too abrupt. This is mainly due to the size of this vessel. Tomorrow noon we will be back in Hamburg. Everything else then face to face.”
(Further reports about the storm on the following pages.)
Translator's Notes:
Tyne … river in middle England
Gauleiter … chief of district
Reichsstatthalter … state’s gouvenor
Tageblatt … newspaper
Schiffsfuehrung … here: the leaders of the vessel but translated with “ship’s senior officers” due to lack of a more sufficient word
Painting: Wilhelm Gustloff Rescuing the SS Pegaway.
At right is a photograph of a painting of the Wilhelm Gustloff. A lesser known fact is that this commeration painting depicts the Gustloff sailing through stormy seas to rescue the crew from the sinking Pegaway (foreground). If you look closely, you can see that lifeboats #1 & #6 were launched and the ropes are hanging over the port side. Harder to see is the lifeboat in the middle full of Gustloff crew and Pegaway sailors rowing back to the ship. This painting originated from onboard the Robert Ley in a small lounge area off her front staircase.
The photo of the painting onboard (far right) shows its true size and its entirety. The artist plaque is below the painting, but it is not known what it says or who painted this piece. It was questioned if the painting burned with the Ley in 1945. The image at right is dated June 30, 1945 - so if the image was taken then, the painting should still be out there. I have seen it used in other books on the Gustloff being quoted as a 'sinking' painting. The search continues....
At right is a photograph of a painting of the Wilhelm Gustloff. A lesser known fact is that this commeration painting depicts the Gustloff sailing through stormy seas to rescue the crew from the sinking Pegaway (foreground). If you look closely, you can see that lifeboats #1 & #6 were launched and the ropes are hanging over the port side. Harder to see is the lifeboat in the middle full of Gustloff crew and Pegaway sailors rowing back to the ship. This painting originated from onboard the Robert Ley in a small lounge area off her front staircase.
The photo of the painting onboard (far right) shows its true size and its entirety. The artist plaque is below the painting, but it is not known what it says or who painted this piece. It was questioned if the painting burned with the Ley in 1945. The image at right is dated June 30, 1945 - so if the image was taken then, the painting should still be out there. I have seen it used in other books on the Gustloff being quoted as a 'sinking' painting. The search continues....
The Sydney Morning Herald: Saturday, August 13th, 1938
German Vessel Honoured - Graceful British Gesture
British Official Wireless - LONDON - Aug 12th
The Board of Trade has awarded its Silver Plaque to the German motor vessel Wilhelm Gustloff, in recognition of the rescue of the crew of the British steamship Pegaway when it foundered about 25 miles north-west of Terschelling Light on April 4th during a gale of hurricane force and in mountainous seas.
The crew of 19 were taken onboard the Wilhelm Gustloff after most diffucult rescue operations and they eventually landed at Hamburg on April 5th. While the crew of the Pegaway were on the Wilhelm Gustloff they were treated with the utmost kindness by all onboard and while in Hamburg they were supplied with clothing and pocket money and were helped in other ways.
British Official Wireless - LONDON - Aug 12th
The Board of Trade has awarded its Silver Plaque to the German motor vessel Wilhelm Gustloff, in recognition of the rescue of the crew of the British steamship Pegaway when it foundered about 25 miles north-west of Terschelling Light on April 4th during a gale of hurricane force and in mountainous seas.
The crew of 19 were taken onboard the Wilhelm Gustloff after most diffucult rescue operations and they eventually landed at Hamburg on April 5th. While the crew of the Pegaway were on the Wilhelm Gustloff they were treated with the utmost kindness by all onboard and while in Hamburg they were supplied with clothing and pocket money and were helped in other ways.
Arbeitertum: May 1st, 1938
Cover Caption: The flagship of the fleet KdF "Wilhelm Gustloff" met at sea by Italy, Africa, and Lisbon, returning KdF fleet. About the courageous deliverance of the "Wilhelm Gustloff" we reported in the interior of the booklet.
Das Flaggschiff der KdF Flotte "Wilhelm Gustloff" begegnet auf hoher See der von Italien, Afrika, und Lissabon zurückkehrenden KdF Flotte. Über die mutige Rettungstat des "Wilhelm Gustloff" berichen wir im Innern des Heftes.
Cover Caption: The flagship of the fleet KdF "Wilhelm Gustloff" met at sea by Italy, Africa, and Lisbon, returning KdF fleet. About the courageous deliverance of the "Wilhelm Gustloff" we reported in the interior of the booklet.
Das Flaggschiff der KdF Flotte "Wilhelm Gustloff" begegnet auf hoher See der von Italien, Afrika, und Lissabon zurückkehrenden KdF Flotte. Über die mutige Rettungstat des "Wilhelm Gustloff" berichen wir im Innern des Heftes.
SOS over the North Sea
"Wilhelm Gustloff" rescues the crew of the "Pegaway" in dire distress.
Short announcement: "On Monday night, the British freighter "Pegaway" sailing off Terschelling Lightship became entangled in the highest of distress and her S.O.S. cries hastened the KdF ship "Wilhelm Gustloff " to help. She was positioned to take 19 of the English seamen aboard. The rescue works were in heavy seas and were extremely difficult.
For 24 hours, a spring storm rages across the North Sea. Up to 12 wind strengths are counted. Glass green mountains rise up like the waves that are tossed up in the air and thundered with a back lash. The KDF ship "Wilhelm Gustloff" runs to connect with the Tripoli fleet. As it winds its way through the stormy North Sea, the ship lurches and rolls body, and the tourists on board are amazed that they still feel relatively little of the fury of the storm and the waves. When the storm opens up and the night falls deeper, the lights illuminate the ships and the men on the bridge add heavy upholstery. Not infrequently that crew outside needed the help. And while the captain studied for hours to chart the course on the way through the North Sea, on top of ship, the radio station men are alert and stand tense in front of their cameras. Safety first - for tourists and boat.
It's dawn. From the bridge are the orders to sail towards the Tripoli fleet. In the radio station an officer listens to: S.O.S. and cries reach him. An English freighter, about 20 nautical miles north-northwest of Terschelling Lightship is asking for help. S.O.S. - S.O.S. - S.O.S. - feverishly working with the radio operator, as fast can be the word is on the bridge. Kaptäin Lübbe can immediately set course for the endangered ship. Nearly two hours are required for the "Wilhelm Gustloff" to get there.
The men of the "Pegaway" which is the name of the freighter by Morse code, is listing with force. And now they are flashing light signals over to the ship which will bring them salvation. Still, the darkness is over the water. The "Wilhelm Gustloff" remains close to the "Pegaway" and agrees with the ship: "We come to the rescue."
6 o'clock in the morning. Captain Lübbe will initiate the rescue maneuvers. The "Pegaway" seems to have heavy list. Wind Force is 11 in the gusts. The rescue teams of Officer Meyer needs 12 men for his rowing boat without hesitation, and this is the moment the crew stand together. Some of the men have been awarded the life-saving medal for this act. You know, it's a bold undertaking to go to this sea to the English comrades.
The boat will go off. As soon as it is manned, it meets a wave of force against the hull. Meyer is hit hardest, and under the force of the blow he nearly collapses. But with incredible discipline he pulls himself up, and the men put themselves into rowing. Strained to follow the others this way - blow for blow the rowing boat moves closer, dancing on the waves, disappearing into a valley, from this point of view, then reappears. Closer and closer to the "Pegaway" - and the entourage with all the skill and care by virtue of the second officer, the rowing boat in heavy seas does not reach - it is driven off.
Next command - the boat 6 is launched. The second mate Schürmann will go with eight men and an engineer. He is heading for the "Pegaway" which gets more and more leaning on its side, and with a bold twist he puts smoothly to port. Now, a thousand people standing at the railing and watch in breathless suspense the rescue maneuvers. The British go into the boat - a short exchange - the last member comes - and Schürmann casts off and comes back to the "Wihelm Gustloff".
Exhausted and weary, the men climb over the rope ladder to the ship. And while with great difficulty on the boat - the storm still has not subsided - the men in a rowing boat must fight off with death. Again and again they are driven off, the waves always seem to engulf the boat. Then, finally succeeded, after a long struggle those possessed in the boat are onboard. The rowing boat must be sacrificed.
On the airwaves, the deliverance of the KdF ship can rejoice in the world. Congratulations from the vessels that lie near arrive. The newspaper men crowded in around the radio station. Just a steward brings 19 telegrams reporting the men of the "Pegaway" to their relatives, that their last hour aid from German comrades was given. Now are the English in safety. They were first supplied with warm clothes and accommodation. 36 hours they fought with the storm. The coal cargo of the "Pegaway" which had sailed from Hamburg is slipping. No longer fully manoeuvrable, the 2,000 ton large freighter is at the mercy of the waves. It's dark on the ship, the cold and wet conditions, the uncertainty of whether they would hear they had taken the men's last forces.
Only one did not want to leave the ship - the captain. With difficulty he was moving to go to the boat. Until the ship railing was hanging in the water. A rescue was nearly impossible ...
Twelve hours later in the meeting room of the "Wilhelm Gustloff", the heart of the German comrades meets the British sailors and can hardly believe that they are safe again. Now before they have leisure and rest, they will make clear who rushed to help. The captain brought in his first phone call to England only to express the "1st class cabin " in that they are housed. You have now admired the German working ship, and we are amazed they have found that this ship into the team as well as the leisure lives. Hardly anyone has saved a little, one sailor was onboard without shoes, the other is frozen. A watch is shown, it is the only valuable left.
The officers accepted and Schürmann and his comrades among the English. Meyer has struck hard - his head still roars from the blow against the hull. But he shines, as he had with his 12 men completed with everything. Twice great is the joy of salvation also. And we had the English sailors proudly displayed with the ship. How, does a ship, the German workers heard? The English shake your head. And when they are asked to come into the public spaces around enjoyable after all that hard for another hour with the German tourists, as many shakes his head. Until they finally overcame the horror of last 36 hours and everything turns to dance.
You also have the seen the return trip of Tripoli fleet. Amazed by the German workers, gratitude for the rescue at sea and the great hospitality of the sea that is the root, with which they confront us. And between the stories and reports, the laughter and joy from the honest and appeared on the memory of the harrowing 36 hours to the North Sea, in the tough battle with death.
"It was his ship, " the captain said in the midst of the laughter of his obligations and nods to himself. But then he raises his glass and drinks and shakes again and again to Captain Lübbe the hand, nodding Schürmann and Meyer and crew among the men of the "Wilhelm Gustloff." "The Germans are fair comrades, and they have good ships." Formal reception in Hamburg - award of the rescue team - congratulations telegrams from all over the world - honorable newspaper notes - they can not cause the mood that had seized the ship and its the moment when at last the deliverance was successful. The logbook of the KdF ship "Wilhelm Gustloff" has gained a memorable page.
"Wilhelm Gustloff" rescues the crew of the "Pegaway" in dire distress.
Short announcement: "On Monday night, the British freighter "Pegaway" sailing off Terschelling Lightship became entangled in the highest of distress and her S.O.S. cries hastened the KdF ship "Wilhelm Gustloff " to help. She was positioned to take 19 of the English seamen aboard. The rescue works were in heavy seas and were extremely difficult.
For 24 hours, a spring storm rages across the North Sea. Up to 12 wind strengths are counted. Glass green mountains rise up like the waves that are tossed up in the air and thundered with a back lash. The KDF ship "Wilhelm Gustloff" runs to connect with the Tripoli fleet. As it winds its way through the stormy North Sea, the ship lurches and rolls body, and the tourists on board are amazed that they still feel relatively little of the fury of the storm and the waves. When the storm opens up and the night falls deeper, the lights illuminate the ships and the men on the bridge add heavy upholstery. Not infrequently that crew outside needed the help. And while the captain studied for hours to chart the course on the way through the North Sea, on top of ship, the radio station men are alert and stand tense in front of their cameras. Safety first - for tourists and boat.
It's dawn. From the bridge are the orders to sail towards the Tripoli fleet. In the radio station an officer listens to: S.O.S. and cries reach him. An English freighter, about 20 nautical miles north-northwest of Terschelling Lightship is asking for help. S.O.S. - S.O.S. - S.O.S. - feverishly working with the radio operator, as fast can be the word is on the bridge. Kaptäin Lübbe can immediately set course for the endangered ship. Nearly two hours are required for the "Wilhelm Gustloff" to get there.
The men of the "Pegaway" which is the name of the freighter by Morse code, is listing with force. And now they are flashing light signals over to the ship which will bring them salvation. Still, the darkness is over the water. The "Wilhelm Gustloff" remains close to the "Pegaway" and agrees with the ship: "We come to the rescue."
6 o'clock in the morning. Captain Lübbe will initiate the rescue maneuvers. The "Pegaway" seems to have heavy list. Wind Force is 11 in the gusts. The rescue teams of Officer Meyer needs 12 men for his rowing boat without hesitation, and this is the moment the crew stand together. Some of the men have been awarded the life-saving medal for this act. You know, it's a bold undertaking to go to this sea to the English comrades.
The boat will go off. As soon as it is manned, it meets a wave of force against the hull. Meyer is hit hardest, and under the force of the blow he nearly collapses. But with incredible discipline he pulls himself up, and the men put themselves into rowing. Strained to follow the others this way - blow for blow the rowing boat moves closer, dancing on the waves, disappearing into a valley, from this point of view, then reappears. Closer and closer to the "Pegaway" - and the entourage with all the skill and care by virtue of the second officer, the rowing boat in heavy seas does not reach - it is driven off.
Next command - the boat 6 is launched. The second mate Schürmann will go with eight men and an engineer. He is heading for the "Pegaway" which gets more and more leaning on its side, and with a bold twist he puts smoothly to port. Now, a thousand people standing at the railing and watch in breathless suspense the rescue maneuvers. The British go into the boat - a short exchange - the last member comes - and Schürmann casts off and comes back to the "Wihelm Gustloff".
Exhausted and weary, the men climb over the rope ladder to the ship. And while with great difficulty on the boat - the storm still has not subsided - the men in a rowing boat must fight off with death. Again and again they are driven off, the waves always seem to engulf the boat. Then, finally succeeded, after a long struggle those possessed in the boat are onboard. The rowing boat must be sacrificed.
On the airwaves, the deliverance of the KdF ship can rejoice in the world. Congratulations from the vessels that lie near arrive. The newspaper men crowded in around the radio station. Just a steward brings 19 telegrams reporting the men of the "Pegaway" to their relatives, that their last hour aid from German comrades was given. Now are the English in safety. They were first supplied with warm clothes and accommodation. 36 hours they fought with the storm. The coal cargo of the "Pegaway" which had sailed from Hamburg is slipping. No longer fully manoeuvrable, the 2,000 ton large freighter is at the mercy of the waves. It's dark on the ship, the cold and wet conditions, the uncertainty of whether they would hear they had taken the men's last forces.
Only one did not want to leave the ship - the captain. With difficulty he was moving to go to the boat. Until the ship railing was hanging in the water. A rescue was nearly impossible ...
Twelve hours later in the meeting room of the "Wilhelm Gustloff", the heart of the German comrades meets the British sailors and can hardly believe that they are safe again. Now before they have leisure and rest, they will make clear who rushed to help. The captain brought in his first phone call to England only to express the "1st class cabin " in that they are housed. You have now admired the German working ship, and we are amazed they have found that this ship into the team as well as the leisure lives. Hardly anyone has saved a little, one sailor was onboard without shoes, the other is frozen. A watch is shown, it is the only valuable left.
The officers accepted and Schürmann and his comrades among the English. Meyer has struck hard - his head still roars from the blow against the hull. But he shines, as he had with his 12 men completed with everything. Twice great is the joy of salvation also. And we had the English sailors proudly displayed with the ship. How, does a ship, the German workers heard? The English shake your head. And when they are asked to come into the public spaces around enjoyable after all that hard for another hour with the German tourists, as many shakes his head. Until they finally overcame the horror of last 36 hours and everything turns to dance.
You also have the seen the return trip of Tripoli fleet. Amazed by the German workers, gratitude for the rescue at sea and the great hospitality of the sea that is the root, with which they confront us. And between the stories and reports, the laughter and joy from the honest and appeared on the memory of the harrowing 36 hours to the North Sea, in the tough battle with death.
"It was his ship, " the captain said in the midst of the laughter of his obligations and nods to himself. But then he raises his glass and drinks and shakes again and again to Captain Lübbe the hand, nodding Schürmann and Meyer and crew among the men of the "Wilhelm Gustloff." "The Germans are fair comrades, and they have good ships." Formal reception in Hamburg - award of the rescue team - congratulations telegrams from all over the world - honorable newspaper notes - they can not cause the mood that had seized the ship and its the moment when at last the deliverance was successful. The logbook of the KdF ship "Wilhelm Gustloff" has gained a memorable page.
SOS über der Nordsee
"Wilhelm Gustloff" rettet die Besatzung des "Pegaway" aus höchster Seenot.
kurzmeldung: "in der nacht zum Montag geriet der englische Frachtdampfer "Pegaway" auf der höhe von Terschelling=Feuerschiff in höchste Seenot. Auf die SOS Rufe eilte das KdF Schiff "Wilhelm Gustloff" zu hilfe und konnte die Besaßung des Engländers, 19 Mann, an Bord nehmen. Die Rettungsarbeiten waren bei dem starken Seegang außerordentlich schwierig.
Seit 24 Stunden tobt ein Frühlingssturm über die Nordsee. Bis zu 12 Windstärken werden gezählt. Glasgrünen Bergen gleich steigen die Wellen hoch, stehen gedankenlang in der Luft und peitschen donnernd zurück. Das KdF Schiff "Wilhelm Gustloff" fährt der Tripolisflotte entgegen. Es bahnt sich seinen Weg durch die aufgewühlte Nordsee, der Schiffsleib schlingert und rollt, und die Urlauber an Bord wundern sich, daß sie noch verhältnismässig wenig von dem Toben des Sturmes und dem Seegang spüren.
Wenn der Sturm sich aufmacht und die Nacht tiefer sinkt, wenn die Lichter der Schiffe ausleuchten, sind die Männer auf der Brücke auf schwerem Polsten. Nicht selten, daß kameraden draußen hilfe brauchen. Und während die Schiffsführung Stunden um Stunden den Weg durch die Nordsee sucht, sißen oben in der Funkstation die Männer wachsam und gespannt vor ihren Apparaten. Sicherheit zuerst - für Urlauber und Schiff. Der Morgen graut. Von der Brücke kommt eben der Besehl, kurs auf die Tripolisflotte zu nehmen. In der Station horcht der Funkoffizier auf: SOS=Rufe dringen zu ihm. Ein englisher Frachtdampfer, der ungefähr 20 Seemeilen nordnordwestlich Terschelling Feuerschiff liegt, bittet um hilfe.
SOS - SOS - SOS - sieberhaft arbeiten die Funker, ebenso schnell seßt in diesem Augenblick die Arbeit auf der Brücke ein. Kaptäin Lübbe läßt sofort kurs auf das gefährdete Schiff nehmen. Beinahe zwei Stunden braucht der "Wilhelm Gustloff", um heranzukommen.
Die Männer der "Pegaway", das ist der Name der Frachters, morsen mit leßter kraft. Und nun blinken sie mit Lichtsignalen zum Schiff hinüber, das ihnen Rettung bringen soll. Noch ist die Dunkelheit über dem Wasser. Der "Wilhelm Gustloff" bleibt in der Nähe der "Pegaway" und verständigt sich mit dem Schiff: "Wir kommen zu hilse."
6 Uhr morgens. Kapitän Lübb leitet das Rettungsmanöver ein. Die "Pegaway" scheint starke Schlagseite zu haben. Windstärke 11 ist in den Böen. Die Rettungsmannschaften des Offizier Meyer braucht für sein Ruderboot 12 Mann. Ohne zu zögern, ist im Augenblick die Bemannung zusammen. Einige von den Männern tragen bereits die Rettungsmedaille. Sie wissen, es ist ein kühnes Unternehmen, bei dieser See hinauszugehen zu den englishen kameraden.
Das Boot wird ausgefiert. Kaum ist es bemannt, schlägt es eine Welle mit aller kraft gegen die Bordwand. Meyer trifft es am härtesten, unter der Wucht des Schlages sackt er fast zusammen. Aber mit unglaublicher Disziplin reißt er sich hoch, und die Männer legen sich in die Reimen. Gespannt verfolgen die andern diesen Weg - Schlag um Schlag rückt das Ruderboot näher, tanzt auf den Wellen, verschwindet in einem Tal, kommt aus der Sicht, taucht wieder auf. Näher und näher der "Pegaway" - und troß aller kraft und aller Geschicklichkeit und Umsicht des Zweiten Offiziers kann das Ruderboot bei der schweren See nicht heran - es wird abgetrieben.
Nächster Befehl - das Motorboot 6 wird ausgeseßt. Der Zweite Offizier Schürmann geht mit acht Mann und einem Ingenieur hinaus. Er nimmt kurs auf die "Pegaway", die immer mehr Schlagseite bekommt, und mit einer kühnen Wendung legt er glatt backbord an. Nun stehen schon tausend Menschen an der Reling und verfolgen in atemloser Spannung das Rettungsmanöver. Die Engländer gehen ins Motorboot - noch eine kurze Berzögerung - ein leßter Mann kommt nach - und Schürmann legt ab und kommt zurück an den "Wihelm Gustloff".
Erschöpst und matt klettern die Männer über die Strickleiter ans Schiff. Und während unter großen Schwierigkeiten das Motorboot aufgehievt wird - der Sturm hat immer noch nicht nachgelassen -, kämpfen draußen die Männer im Ruderboot mit dem Tod. Immer wieder werden sie abgetrieben, immer wieder scheinen die Wellen das Boot zu verschlingen. Dann endlich gelingt es, nach studenlangem Treiben, die Besaßung an Bord zu nehmen. Das Ruderboot muß geopfert werden. über die ätherwellen spielt der Draht die Rettungstat des KdF Schiffes in alle Welt. Glückwünsche der Schiffe, die in der Nähe liegen, treffen ein. Die Zeitungsmänner umlagern die Funkstation. Eben bringt ein Steward 19 Telegramme die Meldung der Männer von der "Pegaway" an ihre Angehörigen, daß ihnen in leßter Stunde von deutschen kameraden hilfe zuteil wurde. Längst sind die Engländer in Sicherheit. Man hat sie zuerst mit warmen Sachen versorgt und untergebracht. 36 Stunden haben sie mit dem Sturm gekämpft. Die kohleladung der "Pegaway", die von Iine nach Hamburg ausgelaufen war, ist verrutsch. Nicht mehr voll manövrierfähig, wurde der 2000 t große Frachter ein Spielball der Wellen. Dunkelheit auf dem Schiff, die kälte und Nässe, die Ungewißheit, ob man sie hören würde, hatten den Männern die leßten kräfte genommen.
Nur einer wollte nicht von Bord - der kapitän. Mit Mühe war er zu bewegen gewefen, ins Motorboot zu gehen. Bis zur Reling hing das Schiff im Wasser. Eine Rettung war kaum möglich... Zwölf Stunden später im Gemeinschaftsraum des "Wilhelm Gustloff", Inmitten der deutschen kameraden fißen die englischen Seeleute und können es kaum fassen, daß sie wieder in Sicherheit sind. Ießt erst haben sie Muße und Ruhe, sich klarzumachen, wer ihnen zu hilfe eilte. Der kapitän brachte bei seinem ersten Telefonat mit England nur zum Ausdruck, daß sie in "1 klasse=kabinen" untergebracht seien. Sie haben inzwischen das deutsche Arbeiterschiff bewundert, und mit Staunen haben sie festgestellt, daß in die sem Schiff die Mannschaft ebenso gut lebt wie die Urlauber. kaum einer hat etwas gerettet, ohne Schuhe kam der eine an Bord, verfroren der andere. Eine Armbanduhr wird gezeigt, sie ist das einzige Wertstück.
Die Offiziere Mener und Schürmann sißen mitten unter den englischen kameraden. Mener hat es hart getrossen - sein kopf dröhnt noch immer von dem Schlag gegen die Bordwand. Aber er strahlt, denn auch er hatte mit seinen 12 Männern bereits mit allem abgeschlossen. Doppelt groß ist die Freude überdie Rettung. Und unsere Besaßung zeigt den englischen Matrosen stolz das Schiff. Wie, so sieht ein Schiff aus, das deutschen Arbeitern gehört? Die Engländer schütteln den kopf. Und als sie aufgefordert werden, in die Gesellschaftsräume zu kommen um nach all dem harten noch ein Stündchen vergnüglich mit den deutschen Urlaubern zusammenzusißen, da schüttelt mancher den kopf. Bis endlich das Grauen der leßten 36 Stunden überwunden ist und alles sich im Tanze dreht.
Sie haben auch noch die Borüberfahrt der Tripolis flotte gesehen. Staunen über den deutschen Arbeiter, Dankbarkeit über die Rettung aus Seenot und die große Gastfreundschaft auf dem Meer, das ist der Grundton, mit dem sie uns gegenübertreten. Und zwischen dem Erzählen und Berichten, dem Lachen und der ehrlichen Freude taucht ab und zu die Erinnerung an die grauenvollen 36 Stunden auf der Nordsee auf, an den zähen kampf mit dem Tod.
"Es war ein seines Schiff", meint der kapitän mitten in das Lachen seiner tungens und nickt vor sich hin. Dann aber hebt er sein Glas und trinkt und schüttelt immer wieder kapitän Lübbe die hand, nickt Schürmann und Meyer zu und seßt sich unter die Männer des "Wilhelm Gustloff." "Die Deutschen sind faire kameraden, und sie haben gute Schiffe."
Feierlicher Empfang in Hamburg - Auszeichnung der Rettungsmannschaft - Glückwunschtelegramme aus aller Welt - ehrenvolle Zeitungsnotizen - sie können nicht die Stimmung hervorrufen, die das Schiff und seine Besaßung in dem Augenblick erfaßte, als endlich die Rettungstat geglückt war. Das Schiffstagebuch des KdF Schiffes "Wilhelm Gustloff" ist um eine denkwürdige Seite reicher geworden.
"Wilhelm Gustloff" rettet die Besatzung des "Pegaway" aus höchster Seenot.
kurzmeldung: "in der nacht zum Montag geriet der englische Frachtdampfer "Pegaway" auf der höhe von Terschelling=Feuerschiff in höchste Seenot. Auf die SOS Rufe eilte das KdF Schiff "Wilhelm Gustloff" zu hilfe und konnte die Besaßung des Engländers, 19 Mann, an Bord nehmen. Die Rettungsarbeiten waren bei dem starken Seegang außerordentlich schwierig.
Seit 24 Stunden tobt ein Frühlingssturm über die Nordsee. Bis zu 12 Windstärken werden gezählt. Glasgrünen Bergen gleich steigen die Wellen hoch, stehen gedankenlang in der Luft und peitschen donnernd zurück. Das KdF Schiff "Wilhelm Gustloff" fährt der Tripolisflotte entgegen. Es bahnt sich seinen Weg durch die aufgewühlte Nordsee, der Schiffsleib schlingert und rollt, und die Urlauber an Bord wundern sich, daß sie noch verhältnismässig wenig von dem Toben des Sturmes und dem Seegang spüren.
Wenn der Sturm sich aufmacht und die Nacht tiefer sinkt, wenn die Lichter der Schiffe ausleuchten, sind die Männer auf der Brücke auf schwerem Polsten. Nicht selten, daß kameraden draußen hilfe brauchen. Und während die Schiffsführung Stunden um Stunden den Weg durch die Nordsee sucht, sißen oben in der Funkstation die Männer wachsam und gespannt vor ihren Apparaten. Sicherheit zuerst - für Urlauber und Schiff. Der Morgen graut. Von der Brücke kommt eben der Besehl, kurs auf die Tripolisflotte zu nehmen. In der Station horcht der Funkoffizier auf: SOS=Rufe dringen zu ihm. Ein englisher Frachtdampfer, der ungefähr 20 Seemeilen nordnordwestlich Terschelling Feuerschiff liegt, bittet um hilfe.
SOS - SOS - SOS - sieberhaft arbeiten die Funker, ebenso schnell seßt in diesem Augenblick die Arbeit auf der Brücke ein. Kaptäin Lübbe läßt sofort kurs auf das gefährdete Schiff nehmen. Beinahe zwei Stunden braucht der "Wilhelm Gustloff", um heranzukommen.
Die Männer der "Pegaway", das ist der Name der Frachters, morsen mit leßter kraft. Und nun blinken sie mit Lichtsignalen zum Schiff hinüber, das ihnen Rettung bringen soll. Noch ist die Dunkelheit über dem Wasser. Der "Wilhelm Gustloff" bleibt in der Nähe der "Pegaway" und verständigt sich mit dem Schiff: "Wir kommen zu hilse."
6 Uhr morgens. Kapitän Lübb leitet das Rettungsmanöver ein. Die "Pegaway" scheint starke Schlagseite zu haben. Windstärke 11 ist in den Böen. Die Rettungsmannschaften des Offizier Meyer braucht für sein Ruderboot 12 Mann. Ohne zu zögern, ist im Augenblick die Bemannung zusammen. Einige von den Männern tragen bereits die Rettungsmedaille. Sie wissen, es ist ein kühnes Unternehmen, bei dieser See hinauszugehen zu den englishen kameraden.
Das Boot wird ausgefiert. Kaum ist es bemannt, schlägt es eine Welle mit aller kraft gegen die Bordwand. Meyer trifft es am härtesten, unter der Wucht des Schlages sackt er fast zusammen. Aber mit unglaublicher Disziplin reißt er sich hoch, und die Männer legen sich in die Reimen. Gespannt verfolgen die andern diesen Weg - Schlag um Schlag rückt das Ruderboot näher, tanzt auf den Wellen, verschwindet in einem Tal, kommt aus der Sicht, taucht wieder auf. Näher und näher der "Pegaway" - und troß aller kraft und aller Geschicklichkeit und Umsicht des Zweiten Offiziers kann das Ruderboot bei der schweren See nicht heran - es wird abgetrieben.
Nächster Befehl - das Motorboot 6 wird ausgeseßt. Der Zweite Offizier Schürmann geht mit acht Mann und einem Ingenieur hinaus. Er nimmt kurs auf die "Pegaway", die immer mehr Schlagseite bekommt, und mit einer kühnen Wendung legt er glatt backbord an. Nun stehen schon tausend Menschen an der Reling und verfolgen in atemloser Spannung das Rettungsmanöver. Die Engländer gehen ins Motorboot - noch eine kurze Berzögerung - ein leßter Mann kommt nach - und Schürmann legt ab und kommt zurück an den "Wihelm Gustloff".
Erschöpst und matt klettern die Männer über die Strickleiter ans Schiff. Und während unter großen Schwierigkeiten das Motorboot aufgehievt wird - der Sturm hat immer noch nicht nachgelassen -, kämpfen draußen die Männer im Ruderboot mit dem Tod. Immer wieder werden sie abgetrieben, immer wieder scheinen die Wellen das Boot zu verschlingen. Dann endlich gelingt es, nach studenlangem Treiben, die Besaßung an Bord zu nehmen. Das Ruderboot muß geopfert werden. über die ätherwellen spielt der Draht die Rettungstat des KdF Schiffes in alle Welt. Glückwünsche der Schiffe, die in der Nähe liegen, treffen ein. Die Zeitungsmänner umlagern die Funkstation. Eben bringt ein Steward 19 Telegramme die Meldung der Männer von der "Pegaway" an ihre Angehörigen, daß ihnen in leßter Stunde von deutschen kameraden hilfe zuteil wurde. Längst sind die Engländer in Sicherheit. Man hat sie zuerst mit warmen Sachen versorgt und untergebracht. 36 Stunden haben sie mit dem Sturm gekämpft. Die kohleladung der "Pegaway", die von Iine nach Hamburg ausgelaufen war, ist verrutsch. Nicht mehr voll manövrierfähig, wurde der 2000 t große Frachter ein Spielball der Wellen. Dunkelheit auf dem Schiff, die kälte und Nässe, die Ungewißheit, ob man sie hören würde, hatten den Männern die leßten kräfte genommen.
Nur einer wollte nicht von Bord - der kapitän. Mit Mühe war er zu bewegen gewefen, ins Motorboot zu gehen. Bis zur Reling hing das Schiff im Wasser. Eine Rettung war kaum möglich... Zwölf Stunden später im Gemeinschaftsraum des "Wilhelm Gustloff", Inmitten der deutschen kameraden fißen die englischen Seeleute und können es kaum fassen, daß sie wieder in Sicherheit sind. Ießt erst haben sie Muße und Ruhe, sich klarzumachen, wer ihnen zu hilfe eilte. Der kapitän brachte bei seinem ersten Telefonat mit England nur zum Ausdruck, daß sie in "1 klasse=kabinen" untergebracht seien. Sie haben inzwischen das deutsche Arbeiterschiff bewundert, und mit Staunen haben sie festgestellt, daß in die sem Schiff die Mannschaft ebenso gut lebt wie die Urlauber. kaum einer hat etwas gerettet, ohne Schuhe kam der eine an Bord, verfroren der andere. Eine Armbanduhr wird gezeigt, sie ist das einzige Wertstück.
Die Offiziere Mener und Schürmann sißen mitten unter den englischen kameraden. Mener hat es hart getrossen - sein kopf dröhnt noch immer von dem Schlag gegen die Bordwand. Aber er strahlt, denn auch er hatte mit seinen 12 Männern bereits mit allem abgeschlossen. Doppelt groß ist die Freude überdie Rettung. Und unsere Besaßung zeigt den englischen Matrosen stolz das Schiff. Wie, so sieht ein Schiff aus, das deutschen Arbeitern gehört? Die Engländer schütteln den kopf. Und als sie aufgefordert werden, in die Gesellschaftsräume zu kommen um nach all dem harten noch ein Stündchen vergnüglich mit den deutschen Urlaubern zusammenzusißen, da schüttelt mancher den kopf. Bis endlich das Grauen der leßten 36 Stunden überwunden ist und alles sich im Tanze dreht.
Sie haben auch noch die Borüberfahrt der Tripolis flotte gesehen. Staunen über den deutschen Arbeiter, Dankbarkeit über die Rettung aus Seenot und die große Gastfreundschaft auf dem Meer, das ist der Grundton, mit dem sie uns gegenübertreten. Und zwischen dem Erzählen und Berichten, dem Lachen und der ehrlichen Freude taucht ab und zu die Erinnerung an die grauenvollen 36 Stunden auf der Nordsee auf, an den zähen kampf mit dem Tod.
"Es war ein seines Schiff", meint der kapitän mitten in das Lachen seiner tungens und nickt vor sich hin. Dann aber hebt er sein Glas und trinkt und schüttelt immer wieder kapitän Lübbe die hand, nickt Schürmann und Meyer zu und seßt sich unter die Männer des "Wilhelm Gustloff." "Die Deutschen sind faire kameraden, und sie haben gute Schiffe."
Feierlicher Empfang in Hamburg - Auszeichnung der Rettungsmannschaft - Glückwunschtelegramme aus aller Welt - ehrenvolle Zeitungsnotizen - sie können nicht die Stimmung hervorrufen, die das Schiff und seine Besaßung in dem Augenblick erfaßte, als endlich die Rettungstat geglückt war. Das Schiffstagebuch des KdF Schiffes "Wilhelm Gustloff" ist um eine denkwürdige Seite reicher geworden.
Photo Captions:
#2: The boat of the "Wilhelm Gustloff"is trying to get hold of the wrecked English ship "Pegaway. The focus of the superstructure "Wilhelm Gustloff".
#4: The crew of the sinking ship jumps into the lifeboat.
#5: Heavy breakers go over the "Pegaway."
#7: The first aid: Warm clothes, a stiff grog, then to bed.
#8: Captain Ward talks to the English press in the radio station of the "Wilhelm Gustloff", standing Kaptain Lübbe.
#9: Captain Ward of the "Pegaway" admired the swimming pool of the "Wilhelm Gustloff."
#10: Left: Meyer, head of the rowing boat. - Middle: Captain Ward. Last: Schürmann, Head of the motor boat.
#11: Bottom: The first officer and a sailor of the "Pegaway" with her savior.
#12 & 13: Evening in the show: last: Governing Mayor Krogmann of Hamburg and brigadier, Regional Inspector of Shipping, Schorrmann welcome the survivors.
#2: The boat of the "Wilhelm Gustloff"is trying to get hold of the wrecked English ship "Pegaway. The focus of the superstructure "Wilhelm Gustloff".
#4: The crew of the sinking ship jumps into the lifeboat.
#5: Heavy breakers go over the "Pegaway."
#7: The first aid: Warm clothes, a stiff grog, then to bed.
#8: Captain Ward talks to the English press in the radio station of the "Wilhelm Gustloff", standing Kaptain Lübbe.
#9: Captain Ward of the "Pegaway" admired the swimming pool of the "Wilhelm Gustloff."
#10: Left: Meyer, head of the rowing boat. - Middle: Captain Ward. Last: Schürmann, Head of the motor boat.
#11: Bottom: The first officer and a sailor of the "Pegaway" with her savior.
#12 & 13: Evening in the show: last: Governing Mayor Krogmann of Hamburg and brigadier, Regional Inspector of Shipping, Schorrmann welcome the survivors.
Image Courtesy of Life.com
Die Woche or The Week - Heft 15, Jahrg. 40 - Berlin, 13. April 1938.
The Rescue Operation of the Wilhelm Gustloff. 1 page article on the Pegaway Rescue.
The Rescue Operation of the Wilhelm Gustloff. 1 page article on the Pegaway Rescue.
