Heinrich Müller in America?

That was a bit in the BULLETIN BOARD section of KTB #118 last month, and since then we have received more information that the former Chief of the GESTAPO indeed, was in the USA shortly after the war until his death in Hawaii in the mid-1970’s. What is more astonishing is the facts he revealed to U.S. Intelligence personnel in 1948 about who escaped Germany at the end of the war - and there was information about a telephone conversation between Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt sometime in the middle of November, 1941. We are awaiting copies of these files here, but it looks as if Admiral Kimmel and General Short may very well be vindicated. Keep reading . . .

RITA CLARE and HANS SPYKER

Some issues back, we reported that RITA CLARE (1571-1990) was with the 2nd U-BootLehrdivision and she lost a good friend when the WILHELM GUSTLOFF was torpedoed and sunk. Now we received a letter from HANS SPYKER (759-1989) in which he tells that he, too was with the same Division. HANS wonders how RITA escaped to the west. He got out on board the HAMBURG which sailed to Kiel the day after the WILHELM GUSTLOFF was lost. RITA, how did you get out?

U-534 Update

Well, there really isn’t much to tell at this point except that the group that brought the boat up, headed by LARS SUNN PEDERSEN (3782-1994) and AGE JENSEN (3783-1994), is about to make a major announcement. You’ll read it first here on the pages of the KTB Magazine of SHARKHUNTERS - but until then, let us clear up a few rumors, add some facts etc.

1. While there may have been some basis in the rumor that there were financial problems, there is no foundation in the rumor that the boat will be taken by creditors and broken up for scrap. U-534 will not be broken up.

2. U-534 will be heading for a museum setting, but we do not have the final details as of this writing. Once LARS sends us his fax, we will report the story here. You may toss out the rumor that had U-534 going to Groton to sit next to USS NAUTILUS. That rumor is false.

3. Yes, you will be able to buy artifacts from this historic boat. LARS and SHARKHUNTERS talked about distribution program for these items through SHARKHUNTERS. Keep reading; news will be announced as soon as possible.

Best Wishes to DICK and Lee

Quite a while ago, we were forced to announce the sad news of the passing of Nancy Cole, wife of DICK COLE (204-A-1986). She was a fine lady, and DICK is a strong supportive Member. We are pleased to announce the recent wedding of DICK and Lee. We send the most sincere wishes for a happy life!

SHARKHUNTERS in 57 COUNTRIES!

When AUGUSTINE dela CRUZ (4772-1996) came aboard, the PHILIPPINES became the 57th country in which there are SHARKHUNTERS Members. WELCOME ABOARD AUGUSTINE! And WELCOME to the PHILIPPINES.

HÖGEL’s BOOK Available!

GEORG HöGEL (240-LIFE-1987) was radio operator on U-30, the first submarine into combat in World War II. Later, he served in the same capacity on U-110 which was also commanded by Fritz-Julius Lemp. Some years ago, GEORG published a book: “EMBLEME WAPPEN MALINGS” which was an outstanding book of conning tower emblems. The book, which was published in Germany, was already out of print by late 1988 or early 1989 and many have been looking for this book. Can’t find one anywhere.

We just received word from GEORG that his publisher will release an updated and improved version of this already excellent book very soon. The book is a little taller; a little wider - and a lot thicker! There are some 1,300 conning tower emblems in the book.

Where will you be able to buy this outstanding book? From SHARKHUNTERS of course - and it will be autographed by the author, GEORG HöGEL himself. Details are still coming in, so keep reading. We will let you know as soon as the books are in.

Congratulations GEORG on a superb and very necessary work.

Lili Marlen

Here is some additional information about this song, and the girl who became every soldier’s sweetheart, no matter what side. CARL JEPPESEN (4547-1995). CARL, a musician, writes:

“Composed in 1938 was Norbert Schultze’s song LILI MARLEN. The song became a sort of radio anthem for the German forces in the North African desert. It never really became popular until 1939, recorded by the Danish cabaret singer Lale Andersen who lived from 1910-1972. This version was the one used by the German Forces Network in Yugoslavia as a ‘play out’ theme tune.

‘Churchill wanted to counteract the German morale. Convinced that the Allied forces were listening to Lale Andersen on German radio, Churchill after hearing Awwe Shelton’s warm sounding voice, said she should be used to sing our own version. She was with the Ambrose Band and was 12 years old in 1940. She became the British Forces favorite for the men of the RAF and Desert Rats; and German soldiers listened to her too. Later came a version by Greta Keller.”