SMS GNEISENAU 1879-1900: 2007

12/29/2007

Gestrandet 1900

SMS Gneisenau Gestrandet at to entrance to the Port of Malaga

1901 Cancelled PostCard Verlag von M. Dieterle, Kiel

Telegramm aus Berlin 1900

Telegram sent from Berlin to the Stralsund Zeitung on Dec.17th 1900

Report on the whereabouts of the training fragate's
314 Survivors of the Gneisenau Foundering out of the 450 on board

Just below, a copy of the Official Dispatch

received at Berlin 's Reichstag
on Dec.17 and published on Dec.18 in The New York Times.

The New York Times, Dec.18 - The Loss of the Gneisenau
REICHSTAG BERLIN, Dec. 17.- An official dispatch received here to-day from Malaga accounts for 314 survivors out of the 450 persons who were on board the German training fragate Gneisenau, which foundered at to entrance to the port of Malaga yesterday, while she was taking refuge from the terrible storm prevailing at the time. It is rumored that the commander of the Gneisenau committed suicide when he saw ail was lost. A nephew of the Imperial Chancellor, Count von Billow, was among the saved, though he was injured in the head. The first engineer, the assistant engineer, and a number of petty officers were drowned. It is hoped that the guns, the treasure chest, and perhaps part of the hull will be salvaged. The foundering of the Gneisenau has created a most painful impression in Berlin, following, as it does, the jubilant reception to the sailors and marines from China yesterday. The news spread rapidly through the city this morning. Great crowds thronged the Admiralty Building and the Ministry of Marine. Many touching scenes were witnessed . Emperor William has received a telegram of condolence from the Spanish Queen Regent.