1936: The bottom of the hull of the Wilhelm Gustloff at Blohm & Voss Hamburg, Germany.

 

Wilhelm Gustloff under construction at Blohm & Voss Hamburg, Germany.

 

Wilhelm Gustloff nearing completion before launch at Blohm & Voss.

 

May 5, 1937: As Adolf Hitler watches Wilhelm Gustloff's widow, Hedwig Gustloff, breaks a bottle of
champagne on the bow christening the ship at the launch ceremony. (The ship is named after the former head of the Swiss Nazi Party who was assassinated by David Frankfurter on Feb. 4, 1936)

 

May 5, 1937: the Wilhelm Gustloff being launched at Blohm & Voss.

(Photo Courtesy David Krawczyk)