Wilhelm Gustloff 1895 – 1936

Biography

Wilhelm Gustloff was born on January 30, 1895, in Schwerin, Germany. Throughout his life, he pursued diverse professional interests, working as both a politician and meteorologist. His career reflected the complex intellectual currents of early twentieth-century Germany, combining scientific inquiry with political engagement during a transformative period in European history.

In 1932, Gustloff established the Swiss branch of the Foreign Organization of the Nazi Party (NSDAP/AO) in Davos. This organization served as a wing of the Nazi Party designed to coordinate German citizens living outside Germany’s borders. Through this work, he became a notable figure among German expatriate communities in Switzerland.

Gustloff’s life was relatively brief. He died on February 4, 1936, in Davos, Switzerland, at the age of 40. He was laid to rest in his native city of Schwerin, returning to the place of his birth for his final resting place. Though his life spanned just four decades, his name remained connected to significant developments in twentieth-century history and the German diaspora of his era.