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UNDERHAND METHODS
Your article on the sinking of Wilhelm Gustloff (MHM February/March 2022) raises an interesting point regarding the perception of submarine warfare.
Passenger liners were sunk during both World Wars by submarines. When the submarine involved was German, they were condemned for using underhand methods. For example, the sinking of the SS Athenia by U-30 in 1939. This was considered a war crime and, indeed, responsibility for the act was not admitted by the German government until 1946.
However, the author of your article states that the submarine captain involved in the sinking of Wilhelm Gustloff was not made a hero of the Soviet Union, as though this would have been the correct course of action. Although the ship was carrying military personnel, there were civilians on board too, as mentioned in the article. I imagine that not all of them would have been supporters of the Nazi regime and were just trying to escape Soviet retribution.
Furthermore, at this late stage of the war, I can’t imagine much was achieved by sinking this vessel. Therefore, I think it right and proper that the Soviet captain was not rewarded. A similar act committed by a U-boat would have been severely criticised.
Your article was interesting and highlighted an episode that is rarely mentioned. Your readers may be interested to know about a German film made concerning Wilhelm Gustloff. It was released under the title Crimson Ocean and is worth watching. Thank you for an excellent magazine, as always.
Simon Davidson
London
THANK YOU
I just want to thank you for putting out such a great magazine. I enjoy every issue. I am a Vietnam-era veteran, and I am proud that I have so many veterans in my family.
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