On August 25, 1939, the pre-dreadnought battleship Schleswig-Holstein arrived in the port of Danzig (now Gdańsk) for a supposed goodwill visit, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the sinking of the German cruiser Magdeburg. Draped in flags and greeted by cheering crowds, the arrival of the elderly battleship carried a more sinister purpose. Under Captain Gustav Kleikamp, the Schleswig-Holstein's true mission was to stiffen the resolve of Danzig's German population and, if war broke out, use her firepower against Polish positions in the city.
As festivities unfolded in Danzig, tensions between Germany and Poland escalated. The Free City of Danzig, created after World War I, was a semi-autonomous region with a predominantly German population, but it was neither part of Poland nor Germany. Nazi Germany coveted this territory to connect East Prussia with the rest of the Reich. The city's National Socialist leader, Albert Forster, galvanized the German nationalist sentiment, preparing for the conflict.
By the end of August, it became clear that negotiations between Germany and Poland were futile. On September 1, 1939, at 4:45 AM, Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on the Westerplatte, a Polish ammunition depot near Danzig. This bombardment marked the start of World War II. The ship's 28 cm and 15 cm guns unleashed devastating firepower, tearing through trees, buildings, and fortifications. Despite the overwhelming barrage, the Polish defenders held out fiercely.
In Danzig, the city saw a flurry of German military activity. Soldiers and assault troops, disguised in civilian clothing, began securing strategic positions. Anti-Polish and anti-Semitic sentiments surged among the German population, creating a volatile atmosphere. As the battle for Westerplatte raged on, German forces, including SS troops and naval infantry, struggled to capture the well-fortified Polish position. Repeated attacks resulted in heavy German casualties, with the defenders using their intimate knowledge of the terrain to their advantage.
On September 7, after days of relentless bombardment and infantry assaults, the Polish defenders of Westerplatte finally surrendered. The battle cost the Germans nearly 400 casualties. Despite the fierce resistance, the Polish defenders were treated with respect by the German soldiers as they marched into captivity. However, this respectful treatment was not universal, as other Polish defenders, such as those at the Danzig post office, faced brutal reprisals.
Following the fall of Westerplatte, Schleswig-Holstein continued to play a role in the Polish campaign, bombarding the Hela Peninsula alongside her sister ship, Schlesien. Although these bombardments gave the impression of brutal efficiency, their actual impact was limited, with the ships eventually withdrawing and leaving the job to Stuka dive-bombers.
After the Polish campaign, Schleswig-Holstein participated in the invasion of Denmark in 1940 before returning to training duties. Throughout her service in World War II, the elderly battleship demonstrated the lasting impact of naval power, even from a bygone era. Her actions in Danzig and beyond underscored the escalating conflict that would engulf the world.
Intro 0:00
August 25th 1:10
Schleswig-Holstein 2:56
Free of City of Danzig 3:40
The Late Days of August 5:47
First Day of the Siege 7:39
The Second Day 13:42
The Capture and Further Campaigns 15:19
The Fate of Schleswig-Holstein 16:42
Conclusion 18:30
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