Bernhard VON GAZA

German rower Bernhard von Gaza won the bronze medal in single sculls at the 1908 London Olympics. He was also German Champion in 1907 and 1911, and runner-up in 1912 and 1913. Von Gaza also claimed the double sculls title in 1907 and 1908 alongside non-Olympian Carl Ekkehard Ernst. The Henley course at that time was so narrow, that only two boats could start beside each other per race.

Von Gaza served as an oberlieutenent with the 185th Infantry Regiment during World War I. He was wounded by a grenade in early 1915, and in 1916 was awarded the Iron Cross for his leadership and bravery at the front. On 23 September 1917 he was involved in defense of the German position against a British attack when his regiment was taken prisoner by the British, believed to be the 12th Battalion Kings Royal Rifle Corps. It is thought that he died while a prisoner of the British, and he was buried in the Dozingheim Military Cemetery in Vieteren, Belgium.