Georg Ritter von Trapp

Georg Ritter von Trapp (April 4, 1880 - May 30, 1947) headed the famous Austrian singing family immortalized in the musical The Sound of Music. His exploits at sea in World War I earned him numerous decorations, including the honor of adding "von" to his name.

Early life and naval career

Georg Trapp was born in Zara, Dalmatia and in 1894 he followed his father's career into the Navy, entering the naval academy at Fiume. He graduated four years later and completed two years of follow-on training voyages including a trip to Australia. In 1900 he was assigned to the armored cruiser Kaiserin und Königin Maria Theresia and was decorated for his performance during the Boxer Rebellion. In 1902, he passed the officer's examination.

Related Topics:
Zara - Dalmatia - 1894 - Fiume - Australia - 1900 - Cruiser - Boxer Rebellion - 1902

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He was fascinated by submarines, and in 1908 he seized the opportunity to be transferred to the newly-formed U-boot-Waffe. In 1910 he was given command of the newly-constructed SM U-6, which was christened by Agathe Whitehead, granddaughter of the Englishman Robert Whitehead, inventor of the torpedo. Georg and Agathe were married on March 1, 1912. He commanded SM U-6 until 1913.

Related Topics:
Submarine - 1908 - 1910 - SM U-6 - Robert Whitehead - Torpedo - March 1 - 1912 - 1913

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On April 22, 1915, he took command of SM U-5 and conducted nine combat patrols. In October 1915 he was transferred to the captured French submarine Curie, which the Austrian Navy redesignated SM U-14. He conducted ten more war patrols, until, in May 1918, he was promoted to Korvettenkapitän and given command of the submarine base in the Gulf of Cattaro.

Related Topics:
April 22 - 1915 - SM U-5 - French submarine ''Curie'' - SM U-14 - 1918 - Gulf of Cattaro

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At the end of World War I, von Trapp's wartime record stood at 19 war patrols, 12 cargo vessels totalling 45,669 tons sunk, the French armored cruiser Leon Gambetta (12,600 tons) and the Italian submarine Nereide (225 tons). Among other lesser honors, he received a knighthood and the Knight's Cross of the Order of Maria Theresia. (His title is sometimes translated as "Baron," but Ritter is closer to the British "Sir.")

Related Topics:
World War I - Cruiser - Order of Maria Theresia

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