Just reading Hitler's Empire by Mark Mazower,(page 63) just after Germany occupies Prague 'he enjoyed a few days sailing off Heligoland on a new cruiser . It was a voyage which remained among the happiest memories of his life.' That would be March 1939, what made that time so enjoyable, what was the cruiser & are there any photos ? Just curious , excuse the pun but I wondered what 'floated Hitler's boat' about that voyage. I suppose he'd increased the size of the Germany with no blood shed & no opposition.
I only found this: 23 March 1939 - Hitler boarded Deutschland at Swinemünde for a voyage to Memel at the time of its restoration into the German Reich Deutschland/Lützow & Admiral Scheer & Admiral Graf Spee Admiral Scheer was also there: 22 - 24 March 1939 - Flagship of the Konteradmiral Wilhelm Marschall. Admiral Scheer formed part of the fleet squadron escorting Hitler to the Memel, when the territory was reincorporated into the German Reich. Admiral Scheer - Operational History
Just reading Hitler's Empire by Mark Mazower,(page 63) just after Germany occupies Prague 'he enjoyed a few days sailing off Heligoland on a new cruiser . It was a voyage which remained among the happiest memories of his life.' That would be March 1939, what made that time so enjoyable, what was the cruiser & are there any photos ? Just curious , excuse the pun but I wondered what 'floated Hitler's boat' about that voyage. I suppose he'd increased the size of the Germany with no blood shed & no opposition. Owen, I have a copy of a propoganda photograph, unfortunately there is no date when Hitler was with Admiral Raeder. I have a feeling that it was after Hitler became chancellor and was probably taken in 1933 or 1934. Perhaps someone has seen this image before and can confirm details. Either way, Hitler appears to be enjoying the boat trip. Regards Tom
Ship behind them looks like Schleswig-Holstein Schleswig-Holstein (right) and Schlesien about 1930. In the right background is Hessen.