launch Gutenfels, july 1944

During the World War 2 the production on NDM was continued. But now under German supervision. German ships were build.
Allthough also important actions of resistance were planned , one could not escape helping the occupier when doing ones job.
The Gutenfels was in a way a product of, albeit unvoluntary, collaboration. Not a work to be proud of.

This picture of the launch shows this lack of joy. No festivities, no cheering people. But instead the workers are quiet, defiant, hands in pockets.

When in september 1944 the end of the war is apparent, the German occupier starts destroying important harbour installations this ship, together with 'Elise Schulte' and 'Frankenfels' was sunk in the Noordzeekanaal to form a blockade against the allied forces.

links

de stelling/FRAMED#6

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Sunken Ship blocking the passage of allied forces.

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