With the German population of Samoa dwindling by the late 1930 ’ s and the weakening of the old ties to Europe the practice of sons being despatched to Germany for education and work had almost died out . Karl and Ernst Gebauer were two of the last to leave the islands to seek their future in Germany .
The photo on the left shows Karl and his mother , Olga ( Robert ’ s wife ), on the main wharf at Matafele preparing for the launch ride out to their ship in Apia Harbour that would take them to Germany in 1936 . Two other members of the German community are also heading to Germany for a visit – Mr Gustav Stoeckicht ( on left ) and Mr Alfred Matthes ( on right ).
Karl Gebauer was in Germany during the years of the Second World War ( 1939-45 ) and , in its final stages , served in the navy as a mine clearance diver .
Spemann Family Collection
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