German warship's visit remembered (From Falmouth Packet)

German warship's visit remembered

2:40pm Friday 1st June 2012 in In Port

A year before the outbreak of World War II the German battleship Schleswig Holstein anchored in the Carrick Roads on a courtesy visit to the town.

The captain and crew were wined and dined by the local dignitaries including the Bishop of Truro, and played what was possibly the last friendly England-Germany football match before war broke out.

Early on September 1, 1939, Germany launched an attack against Poland.

Schleswig-Holstein had been positioned in the port of Danzig on what had been called a ceremonial visit in August. The ship was moored close to the Polish fortress at Westerplatte on September 1. She opened fire with her main battery at the Polish positions on the Westerplatte and in doing so fired the first shots of World War II.

A force of German marines was landed to take the fortress. This is only part of the story of an exciting documentary being made in Falmouth this summer.

The production is currently looking for anyone who lived in Falmouth at the time and remembers the ship coming in and the reception the vessel and its crew received.

The film, directed by Jonathan Warren, is part of a masters degree in television production, from the University College Falmouth.

The project is working closely with several local people who remember the visit, the Local History group based at the Poly, Bodmin Rifle Museum and the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club where one of the receptions was held.

*Do you remember the German sailors walking about the town or know someone who does?

If you have any information please do get in touch with the programme producer, Henry Austwick, at henaust@hotmail.co.uk or on 07787906688.