Story: GWL U-Boat Badges

[Marc Garlasco]

Here is a great story, so bear with me.

Bottom line - many of the crew of U-706 received the U-Boat badge by GWL. I find it interesting that they would all get one maker. Does that mean they got a shipment to the base from that maker - looks logical to me.

I contacted a u-boat vet based on a newspaper story. I just spent 4 days interviewing him and have over 9 hours of material. His experience was amazing - after spending all his time on 706 he was transferred to 732. On her next mission the 706 was sunk, with four survivors. The 732 tried to run Gibralter and was sunk, Max was one of 19 survivors. So many stories, I hardly know where to start. But here he is in 1942 when he got his badge, and now in 2005 with me. He had MANY photos and many of them were studio shots of the crew. We sat down with Gordon Williamson for coffee one day. Gordon said he has never seen such clear photos of the badge to the point he could ID the maker without a question. And all the guys on the boat had - GWL.

Max in 1942:


Max and I in 2005:



Max's badge:

[Marc Garlasco]

Here we are at coffee with Gordon Williamson:

[John R.]

gwl

Very nice thread. John

[MIKE12550]

Very nice visit you had there with Max, I cant wait to hear more about your visit! Super ! Thanks, Mike

[Indy]

Very nice intro..... I would like to read more..

KR
Indy

[VonLuger]

This is amazing history first hand, can't wait for more..so far wow! story of luck vs. luck!

[Edgar Estrada]

Very nice!! Yes I will wait for more to read.

Edgar

[Thomas Durante]

Mark, I bet it was awesome getting to talk to this gentleman.

Look forward to hearing some more of his stories.

Tom D.

[Rik]

I think it's fascinating to talk to somebody who has been trough all of that. I hope you can share some more stories.

[Jody]

GWL U-boat

Hello,
That is great stuff! WOW!
Your friend,
Jody

[Andy B.]

Great Story!!! I look forward to hearing more.
I'm the proud owner of a GWL U-boat badge. I wish I knew the history behind it. Maybe I'll just imagine it was on one of the cruises you relay to us.
Andy B. collecting mini badge stickpins

[Darrell]

Yes ... great story.

P.S. Great to put a face to Gordon

[Marc Garlasco]

Thanks gents, it was awesome. I am currently trying to find survivors of the destroyer that sunk his boat. Barring that maybe anyone on a UK destroyer. Looking to maybe do something with history channel - i have friends there and there is some interest if I can put together something more complete. Maybe a book, but if not certainly something in a WW2 magazine. I will keep you all informed!
Marc

[John F.]

Thanks gents, it was awesome. I am currently trying to find survivors of the destroyer that sunk his boat.

Hi Marc,

Interesting story. In case you didn't know the ships that sank U-732 were the British anti-submarine trawler HMS Imperialist and the British destroyer HMS Douglas.

Quick question, the EK2 he is wearing in the picture, was it his?

[Giel VW]

Wow Marc this is great!

I'm so looking forwards to a complete story, sub stories are just awesome!