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The Schiller.

Although the Scilly Isles has had many awful shipwrecks, one of the worst was the S.S.Schiller, a German ferry which hit the Retarrier Ledges in 1875. The Schiller was one of the largest vessels of her day, and was making a fast transatlantic passage from New York to Hamburg via Southampton. She was carrying a cargo of sewing machines, gold coins, 254 passengers and 118 crew.

The S.S.Schiller ( from a drawing by Gibson )

On the evening of the 7th May, the Schiller was somewhere off the Scilly Isles and encountered thick fog. She slowed to 4 knots, and her lookouts kept watch for the reassuring sight or sound of the Bishops Rock Lighthouse or foghorn. Neither were seen, and the Schiller slowly crept inside the Bishops Rock and struck the Retarrier Ledges. The Captain managed to reverse off the reef, but two large waves smashed the ship broadside to the ledges and the hull started to break up.

Artifacts from the wreck in the St Mary's Museum, Scilly

Many of the lifeboats were fatally damaged when the Schiller struck, being ground against the rocks, and most of the others were found to be defective due to poor maintenance. As some were cut loose, they just fell into the sea with all their passengers and were crushed between the ship and the rocks. Panic spread and there were extraordinary violent scenes, with men pushing away women and children from the boats so that they could save themselves. The crew were just as bad, and many of the women and children took refuge in the main cabin. Their relief was short lived as the roof was torn off by a huge wave, which sucked all the women and children out onto the deck, where more waves threw their bodies into the sea and drowned them.

The Schiller Memorial (Sally Sharrock)

The Captain tried to restore order by firing into the rioting passengers but it was no good. In the end only two boats bearing just 27 people managed to get away. As the Schiller started to slip further into the water people took to the rigging where many were killed or maimed by flying chains and other sailing gear. The Captain had ordered signal cannons to be fired to notify those on shore of their distress, but they were mistaken for requests for a pilot cutter. However at daybreak a cutter from St. Agnes, set out to investigate more reports of gunfire and were shocked to come across the remains of the Schiller. They picked up five survivors and rowed back to St Mary's to raise the alarm.

The Inscription on the Memorial reads:

In memory of Louise Holzmaister. Born at New York May 15th 1851. Lost her life in the wreck of the SS Schiller off the Scilly Isles may 7th 1875. Her body resting in the deep. This monument has been erected to her memory as a mark of affection by her huspand.

The Mohr family, all lost

Boats came from all over to try and find survivors but they were few and far between. Some people had managed to get to the small uninhabited islands and were rescued but for the rest hope had vanished. The boats searched for hours but all that was left were lifeless bodies and ships debris floating on the water. Of the 254 passengers and 118 crew only 37 survived. None of them were children.

The Scillonians took great care to gather as many of the bodies as possible, identify, and bury them with reverence and dignity. So impressed were the German Government, that when the Two World Wars broke out between England and Germany, orders were sent out to prevent bombing or attack of the islands in recognition off the kindnesses that the Islanders had shown their countrymen all those years before.

10 Responses to The Schiller.

  1. Pamela Cowan says:

    My great grandfather was a Prussian Mariner who married a young girl from Appledore, North Devon in 1861. His name was Charles Schiller and I am wondering whether he was a crew member of the SS Schiller. If he was a crew member he would have been one of the survivors. Any information woud be welcomed.

  2. karen olari-bashore says:

    my ggggrandfather went down on this ship. his name was christian hirni. thank-you karen

  3. Joanne Follon says:

    My Great Great Grand was a Prussian Mariner who married Phillis Hare a local girl from Appledore in 1861. So it’s more than likely the same person!! (i am researching my family tree at the moment) I have abit of info on him although not to do with the above – although i am now intrigued and will look into it. If yo have since discovered anything please let me know and vice versa if you want any info contact me.

  4. JIM HARRIS says:

    THERE ARE STILL A FEW FAMILIES NAME OF SCHILLER LIVING IN APPLEDORE.

  5. Pam Cowan says:

    Message for Joanne Follon

    Have found out lots of info on Charles Schiller, Phillis Hare and others. If you would like me to contact you please email as above.

  6. Pam Cowan says:

    Message for Joanne Follon

    Have found out lots of info on Charles Schiller, Phillis Hare and others. If you would like me to contact you please email as above.

  7. janine schiller says:

    My Grandfather was also called Charles Schiller but i think the Charles you mention was his father. My grandfather lived in Ilfracombe. I think he was one of 8 children.

  8. Pam Cown says:

    Yes, Charles Schiller was your great grandfather, who had eght childen with Phyllis Hare, including my own grandmother. Please
    email at the above address as I have quite a lot of info, but am always looking to find out more.

  9. Nicola Jenkin says:

    Interesting to read about the care taken by the islanders. My G-g-grandfather was the cleric on St Agnes at the time of the sinking, and buried 4 of the dead (3 unnamed).

  10. Mike Williams says:

    I am also a descendant of Charles Schiller and Phylliss Hare. My Grandmother Ada Schiller married John Nathanial Williams in 1932 at Appledore.

    I have a fairly comprehensive family tree.

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