Wolfgang Laude turns 90: A life between navy and family

Wolfgang Laude turns 90: A life between navy and family

Wolfgang Laude celebrates his 90th birthday on June 28th and looks back on an exciting and eventful life. Born in Schöneiche near Berlin, his family had to move several times during the Second World War and finally found refuge in Westphalia after the war. After nine months as a kitchen boy in a children's home, Laude went to school in Schwelm and took his Abitur in 1955. He then joined the merchant navy and in January 1956 was part of the first class of the Federal Navy, which was founded on November 12, 1955. This development was crucial for Laude's later career, which took him to the heart of the German Navy, as NWZonline reports.

Laude became a harbor captain and speedboat commander. Under the command in Flensburg-Mürwik, established on October 1, 1957, it was part of the speedboat system that NATO demanded in the 1950s. These ships were crucial to defending Germany's coasts and securing trade routes. His career took him through various positions, including working in the armaments department for torpedo development and weapon systems in the Navy Office. He preferred practical work over office work - a circumstance that shaped his career.

Family and personal life paths

Laudes' private life is just as colorful as his professional career. In 1962 he married his wife Dietlinde, whom he had met through a comrade. They raised their three children together in Kiel and Flensburg before moving to Wilhelmshaven in 1971. The family thrived there and Laude became a frequent guest on the parish council of St. Thomas Church, where he was active until 2015. Even after his retirement, he remained with the community as a lecturer until 2021. He also made regular trips to Western Pomerania and enjoyed mountain and long-distance hikes with his brother-in-law's family.

Traveling became a passion for the entire family from 2002 when they started exploring new places in the caravan. With five grandchildren now, the family celebrations surrounding Laude's birthday are particularly festive, and of course there is a proper celebration in the intimate circle. Laude's story speaks of a life path characterized by service in the navy, family ties and a close connection to Wilhelmshaven.

The Federal Navy through the ages

The Federal Navy has changed significantly since it was founded in 1955. Originally emerging from demilitarization after World War II, there were initially only a handful of speedboats. These arose from cooperation with NATO, which required the German Navy to be able to react quickly. The speedboat flotilla that served Laude was launched in 1956 and underwent numerous restructuring and renaming, as Schnellbootnet details.

Over the years, the Navy's capabilities have been demonstrated through numerous exercises and missions. Until the speedboat flotilla was disbanded in 2006, it was a central part of the German navy. The various classes of speedboats have also developed further in technical terms and many ships have now been decommissioned. Nevertheless, the spirit of the Federal Navy remains alive, also through people like Wolfgang Laude, whose life story is closely linked to Germany's maritime history.