To The Last Salute: Memories Of An Austrian U-Boat Commander

by Georg von Trapp, Elizabeth M. Campbell (Introduction)

The Sound of Music endeared Georg von Trapp (1880–1947) and his singing family to the world, and it also showed us how desperately the Nazis wanted Captain von Trapp for their navy. In To the Last Salute we learn why. Trapp’s own story of his exploits as a submarine commander during the First World War is as exciting as it is instructive, bringing to stirring life a little-known chapter in the naval history of that war.

 

In his many guises Trapp describes life as captain of Austro-Hungarian U-boats in the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas, emerging by turn as the Imperial Austrian naval officer, the witty observer of international politics, and the indefatigable and ultimately heartbroken patriot opposing the Allied enemy. He relates deadly duels with submarine sweepers, narrow escapes and excruciatingly close calls, and the spectacular sinking of cargo and war ships—all the while maintaining a keen sense of the camaraderie of seamen from every corner of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A picture of a lost time, a portrait of a remarkable character, a window on early submarine Trapp’s story, in English for the first time, offers a rare combination of human interest, historical insight, and true life-and-death adventure.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, World War I, Memoir, Nautical, Military History

196 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1935

Reviews

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is about Georg von Trapp's wartime service in Austro-Hungarian u-boats in the Adriatic and Meditteranean during World War 1. It is a totally different insight into World War 1 from the perspective of someone serving on a lesser-known front for the navy of the "junior" ally in the Central Powers. The stories of his different voyages are interesting and also his viewpoint as events unfolded that were outside of his control. It is a quick read.

[A.L. Sowards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before he was the father of a talented singing group, Georg von Trapp was an Austrian U-boat captain, sinking Allied ships, adopting shipwrecked kittens, and pulling off some pretty impressive maneuvers.

This is an interesting and educational first-hand account of life on a WWI U-boat. The pacing moved along at a good rate and I was never bored. Recommended for those with an interest in WWI U-boats.

[Michael Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a war book from the enemy's (Austria's) side, especially of WW1. This beloved father we see on Sound Of Music was a U-boat commander. This isn't just a retelling of events. Georg von Trapp makes it feel like you're in the Austrian submarine with him. Even though it's 41 chapters long, the way he told the story makes it an easy read. His granddaughter gives the intro and talks about how she translated this book and then there's an essay you read before diving into von Trapp's memoir to give you the setting. I bought this book 12 years ago in Austria and now it's finally been read. Great book!

[Tim Mercer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. It gives a whole new dimension to why the Germans tried so hard to secure Von Trapp to the Nazi cause in The Sound Of Music. As a decorated WW I Austrian war hero his support would have been a significant boost to driving Austrian support of Hitler.

It was written years after the event so I assume it contains the usual errors that creep into everyone's recollections. However it gives a good insight to life during the war as he describes everything from how the food situation changed to how the various nationalities of the Austro-Hungarian empire acted towards each other over the period of the war.

Additionally it give a good insight into the primitive conditions and constraints of life on the early U-boats, especially in comparison to the more advanced submarines used by some of the other combatants. This is my second read of this book and my appreciation of it has grown.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many people I have seen the movie 'The Sound of Music', more than once. In the movie Mr. Von Trapp is portrayed as an ex navy officer, and that is about as far as it goes. When I came across this book it piqued my interest, since now I had the opportunity to find out his military history. This is a memoir written by Von Trapp about his WWI submarine exploits, translated by his own granddaughter. I found it a quick and interesting read, and it satisfied my curiosity about Mr. Von Trapp's military life.

[Jen]

Another review in the Atlantic, of the English-language version (translation by von Trapp's granddaughter): "One of its fascinating aspects is the glimpse it offers into the multiethnic makeup of this imperial navy, and the admirable attitudes and behavior of a patriotic officer on the losing side of a great conflict."

[Michał Hołda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book crew that in the Port of Sebenico, Austro-Wengier sailors rigged their boats. All the sailors were great sailors and fishermen, their biggest dream was to emigrate to America, where their brothers and uncles lived, and then return with a mountain of dollars to build houses. And what about the Russians and the left, is the West evil?! Isn't it a coincidence that the left in the West is rotting and not the West?/In the Port of Sebenico, Austro-Wengier sailors organized their ubots. All men were great sailors and fishermen, their greatest dream was to emigrate to America, where their brothers and uncles lived, and then return with mountains of dollars to build houses. And what about the Russians and the left, is the West evil?! Isn't it that the left in the West is rotting, not the West?

U-5 sunked Italian submarine Nereide

Nereide launched a torpedo at U-5 but missed, after which del Greco ordered his boat down. U-5 lined up a shot and launched a single torpedo at the slowly submerging target, striking her, and sending her to the bottom with all hands. Carlo del Greco received the Medaglia d'Oro al Valore Militare for his actions.

U-5 once encountered Greek ship, spieking in German, Engish, and in frew other langages to Greek crew, they however did not understood. Only afther aming cannon gun at them thay responded worried.

[Erik Empson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thankfully only the introductory material in this book refers to singing and other feminine pursuits. The rest is all about tough sweaty men confined to close quarters. Oooeer. No, in all seriousness, a good insight into sub warfare in the Adriatic during WWI and some of the political complexities of the Austrian Hungarian Empire to boot. Von Trapp is a monarchist but a diligent and compassionate commander who manages against the odds to chart his creaky, leaky tin can of a boat around throughout the war with little more than a scratch - on his crew that is; the thousands of tonnes of allied ships he sunk fared worse. The conditions were terrible, the technology rudimentary and the privations great. Full of annecdotes and good banter. My favourite being the cook vomiting during high seas into the Leipzig stew and proceeding to serve it up to the men, to their great satisfaction. Not too much singing (or much girly stuff) at all in this book!

[Jeremiah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled across this memoir doing a Sound of Music tour in Austria, it is a hidden gem. The book focuses in on Georg von Trapp time as a u-boat captain in World War I. He does a great job talking through the events and how he dealt with the burden of command. His retelling how he learned from being lucky instead of good on three different occasions was awesome leadership lessons. The book ends with a great detailed first person account of how the empire collapsed in rumors to when it finally did and how it impacted them in a new country. Highly recommend taking a chance on learning about this submarine ace.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting perspective I don’t often read from. Details Von Trapp’s days as a rising commander of Austria’s U-Boats during WWI. I think it is mentioned it was first written in 1938 or thereabouts, and has only recently become available in English thanks to the translation work of one of his granddaughters. He recounts much of the technical details that were over my head but provides enough of a palatable narrative that I could glean meaning from contact. It became more interesting as the story went on, with many personally experienced anecdotes throughout. So many of the things he shares about had never been done before in military history. Von Trapp openly and humbly shares his true feelings in the midst of the more exciting or stressful events, an interesting foil to the awe and rapture he and his crew tended to receive after their more daring victories against the Allies, which itself was a bit jarring to read perspective from as one primarily brought up on pro-Allies perspective. Not much at all is mentioned of family other than as a backdrop to the main focus which is truly the man and his work in the war. The only drawback was that the book had one map towards the end, but I wish there were more maps to track their whereabouts as the book progresses. I didn’t have a map accessible while reading and for a lay person that’s not great at geography to begin with, it would have helped place their movements. Otherwise, a valuable look into the Great War from a different and pioneering perspective.

Content considerations: a small handful of foul words, including h—-, bi—-, forms of d—n. A brief note of a man’s positive syphilis test is described, alluding to his infidelity.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to learn how primitive the subs were in WW One. A quick read with some humorous anecdotes and war stories.

[Ruth Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Captain Von Trapp's granddaughter for sharing this very informative, interesting and poignant book written by her grandfather.

[Janeen Miklos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a memoir of Captain von Trapp’s service in an Austrian U-Boat during WW1. Very interesting.

[Joy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fine book about Captain Von Trapp and his command of u-boats during. World War 1. The translation renders the stories clear and yet keeps the voice of its author. Von Trapp in his own words, is shown to be a compassionate man who loves his country and takes good care of his crews. It is astonishing how poor the submarine technology was at this point and these men really were risking their lives just by serving. It is unfortunate that The Sound Of Music painted him as a somewhat hard, cold, naval officer. This books shows his humor, love of Austria, and love of his fellow navy men. A great book to learn more about Von Trapp as well as gain an appreciation for the difficulties during the Great War.

[Freyja Vanadis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting account of Georg von Trapp's experiences as a U-Boat commander in the Austrian Navy during World War 1. The ending was poignant because he told of Austria's surrender and the end of the Austro-Hungarian empire.

[Tara's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, The Sound of Music seems to be way off if this book really is the truth into how the Captain really conducted his life. What an interesting read.

[Roger Thomas]

Invaluable corrective to the perception of Capt. Von Trapp. Theresa is history.

[Tomasz Galoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of a navy that never lost a battle. The story of a navy that nobody rememebers it existed.