In Erik Larson's book "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania," a pivotal moment is highlighted involving Georg von Trapp, an Austrian U-boat commander. He gained fame later through the film adaptation of "The Sound of Music." This provides a historical connection to von Trapp's military actions during World War I.

The narrative describes a significant event where von Trapp attacked the French cruiser Leon Gambetta by firing two torpedoes. The assault led to the swift sinking of the ship in just nine minutes, resulting in the tragic loss of 684 sailors, showcasing the perilous nature of naval warfare during that time.