Thelma IV/Gladan, Flagship of Sweden’s Volunteer Motorboat Flotilla 1916–1918

The Designer, C.G. Pettersson

1915–1917: First Owner, Director Erik Flobeck, Deputy Squadron Commander of Gothenburg’s Volunteer Motorboat Squadron

Thelma IV was designed in 1915 by engineer Carl Gustaf Pettersson, known as C.G.P. The boat was commissioned by Erik Wilhelm Flobeck, a director at Eriksbergs Mekaniska Verkstad in Gothenburg. It was specifically tailored to meet Erik’s needs as Deputy Squadron Commander of Gothenburg’s Volunteer Motorboat Squadron. On the blueprint, it is referred to as an "offshore motor cruiser."

Erik Flobeck owned Eriksbergs Mekaniska Verkstad until 1915, when the business was purchased by Dan Broström (Broström Group). The company, which Erik inherited from his father, had grown significantly in scope and revenue. Erik continued working as a director within the company until his passing.

Erik Flobeck was one of the principal initiators of Sweden’s Volunteer Motorboat Corps, established in 1913. This initiative was launched in collaboration with Captain Georg Lindberg and Sam Bolling.

From the outset, Erik participated in the corps' activities with his smaller motorboat. Together with Coastal Artillery Detachment Chief Captain Georg Lindberg and later Major General Sam Bolling, he developed the concept of strengthening Älvsborg Fortress with contributions from private motorboat owners. In 1913, Gothenburg’s Volunteer Motorboat Squadron was formed. During its first year, 60 members with 24 boats joined. Sam Bolling was elected Chairman and Squadron Commander, while Erik Flobeck became Vice Chairman and Deputy Squadron Commander.

During the early years of World War I, the squadron played a significant role in defending Älvsborg Fortress. Their operations included patrol duties, mine piloting into Gothenburg’s harbor, transport and rotation of outposts along the coast, and other tasks supporting national defense where state resources were insufficient.

In 1915, several volunteer motorboat squadrons across the country merged to form Sweden’s Volunteer Motorboat Corps, of which Gothenburg’s Volunteer Motorboat Squadron became a part. The corps operated similarly to before, allowing motorboat owners with seaworthy vessels to serve as captains of their own boats.

In 1915, Erik Flobeck commissioned the design for Thelma IV from C.G. Pettersson, to be built at Eriksbergs Varv. The boat was intended to serve as the flagship for Gothenburg’s Volunteer Motorboat Squadron. The layout of the boat’s interior reflects its purpose, featuring a "commander’s cabin" to provide private quarters for the commander when the boat was filled with active personnel.

When in service, the boat flew the Swedish Navy’s pennant and the Volunteer Motorboat Corps’ burgee from the masthead, as seen in a 1916 photograph of Thelma. Uniforms were also a notable topic of debate within the corps, ultimately leading to the adoption of a unique variant of the navy uniform for its members.

Fleet Outside Älvsborg Fortress During World War I

The boat became a jewel of the archipelago. With its impressive dimensions, it included a large open seating area in the stern, a spacious saloon, a commander’s cabin, a galley, and a large open command bridge. Forward, it featured a roomy forecastle and engine room.

However, such luxury came at a cost. According to preserved accounts from Eriksbergs Varv, various works on a motorboat hull were completed for Flobeck in June 1916, at a cost of 15,125 SEK. This likely accounted for the majority of the construction costs. In September 1916, additional work was carried out on Thelma for 218 SEK, including sanding, cleaning, and a new propeller for 148 SEK. Hauling the boat out cost 92 SEK. This indicates the boat was already in use during the 1916 season, most likely entirely in the service of the Swedish Volunteer Motorboat Corps (SFMK), as private fuel purchases were prohibited during rationing.

In October, further work amounting to 307 SEK was performed, followed by additional work in December for 649 SEK. Records reveal that Flobeck had an annual salary of 20,000 SEK and a substantial fortune for the time. It’s worth noting that since the boat was built “in-house,” the costs probably excluded any profit margin for the shipyard. Had the boat been built for commercial sale, the price would likely have been significantly higher.

Erik Flobeck was an avid sailor in his youth, winning numerous races with sailing yachts Thelma I, Thelma II, and Thelma III. However, after inheriting Eriksbergs Mekaniska Verkstad following his father’s passing, he no longer had the time for long sailing excursions. As a result, he transitioned from sailing to motorboating as his primary hobby.

Before commissioning Thelma, Flobeck owned a smaller kerosene-powered motorboat used both privately and for shuttling workers and staff between Eriksbergs Brygga and Frigången. This motorboat, referred to as the "little boat," was later supplemented with a small steam vessel. Flobeck owned Thelma until his death in 1917

1917–1919: Gunnar Tellander, Deputy Squadron Commander, Gothenburg’s (Swedish) Volunteer Motorboat Corps, 1917–1924

Following Flobeck’s death, Thelma IV (as noted in Svenska Seglarbladet on May 24, 1917) was sold by his estate to engineer Gunnar Rickard Tellander in Gothenburg.

According to Max Thimmig, a relative of Tellander, the boat was renamed Gladan during this period. It was moored at a dock Tellander had built at Lugnet on Köpstadsö, where his family spent their summers.

Gunnar Rickard Tellander was one of the founders of CTC, a company still in operation today, manufacturing boilers and heat pumps. Like Flobeck, he was an active member of Gothenburg’s Volunteer Motorboat Corps.

Born on June 2, 1876, in Gothenburg, Tellander passed away on August 6, 1930, leaving behind his wife Greta Tellander (née Mark), their children, his mother, and siblings. His father was a lieutenant colonel in Göta Artillery Regiment, and his mother hailed from the prominent Gibson family of Jonsered, Gothenburg.

In 1897, Tellander graduated from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) at just 21 years old. In 1898, he completed his military service, which at the time was a 90-day obligation for men aged 21 to 41.

He continued his education with practical studies at Lemmings Weaving School in Norrköping, followed by studies in England from 1898 to 1899. He founded and served as CEO of Värmetekniska AB Celsius and was also the director of J.A. Rosengrens Kassaskåpsfabriken. Additionally, he established Verkstads AB Vulcan. Moreover, he became chairman of the board for Coronaverken AB and AB Welin. He was a founder of the Swedish Heating and Sanitary Engineering Association in Stockholm as well as the National Federation of Plumbing Companies.

Gunnar had an early interest in boats and, in his youth, owned a sailboat named Sara. He won numerous prizes with this vessel. However, Sara capsized and sank in rough weather on August 25, 1895, off the coast of Nya Varvet.

Gunnar Tellander served as vice chairman and deputy squadron commander of Gothenburg’s Volunteer Motorboat Corps from 1917 to 1924. Among other contributions, he donated the Brustholmarna Islands in Gothenburg’s southern archipelago to support this organization.

mage above: Gunnar Tellander was passionate about boats and also owned a motorboat named Dux, which was likewise used in the motorboat squadron.

Image above: Gunnar Tellander on the command bridge of Gladan, wearing the uniform of the Volunteer Motorboat Corps. The photo was taken at Lugnet near Köpstadsö.

Tellander was deeply committed to national defense and had extensive knowledge in this area, an interest inherited from his father as well as other relatives.
His aunt was married to Rear Admiral and marine painter Jacob Hägg, making him a cousin of Hägg’s son Erik, who was the Director General of the Swedish Pilot Board.

Images below: Gunnar Tellander’s uniform from the Swedish Volunteer Motorboat Corps, part of the collection at Gothenburg City Museum (Accession Number GM:12262).

In 1923, Gunnar Tellander, together with engineers Celsius and Clarin, founded CTC, a company that manufactured heat pumps and boilers. He held the position of chairman until his death. The company quickly developed and grew, becoming the cornerstone of the Corona Group, which at its peak employed over 5,000 people and included several well-known companies, such as Wascator, Gamlestadens Fabriker, Rosengrens Kassaskåp AB, and Husqvarna Borstfabrik.

In 1907, Tellander married Greta Mark, the daughter of industrialist Johannes Johansson (involved in Gamlestadens Fabriker, Johansson & Carlander, SKF, and later Volvo). The couple had five daughters. In 1913, Tellander purchased land on Köpstadsö in the southern Gothenburg archipelago, where the family spent their summers. Additionally, they owned Clareberg Manor on Hisingen, as well as a grand apartment on Vasagatan in Gothenburg.

Gunnar Tellander was an active Freemason and a Knight of the Royal Order of the Polar Star. He passed away on August 6, 1930, and is buried in Östra Cemetery in Gothenburg.

1919–1923 Otto Wallenius, Merchant in Gothenburg
Thelma IV was frequently used during World War I in the service of the Swedish Volunteer Motorboat Corps (SFMK). After the war, Gunnar Tellander sold the boat to merchant Otto Wallenius in Gothenburg, who renamed it Vipan. At this time, the boat’s home port was at Wallenius's beautiful villa at "Snobbrännan" on Styrsö. According to Göran Sandström, Wallenius employed two crew members, Mauritz Håkansson and Knut Jonsson. Wallenius, who dealt in strong spirits before the monopoly system was introduced, sold the boat in 1923, after which it became a sightseeing boat on Styrsö.

1923–1925 Owner Unknown
In 1923, the boat was used as a sightseeing vessel on Styrsö.

1925–1951 Director Ole Christian Olsen
In 1925, the boat was purchased by Director Ole Christian Olsen, manager of the Gothenburg-Ed Paper Mill. Renamed Intra, the boat was used for pleasure cruises with business associates, and a social group, Intra's Friends, was also active during this time. She remained moored on Styrsö near Olsen’s summer residence, located by the Villabron Bridge. The open pilot house was enclosed in 1925.

Intra with the enclosed wheelhouse from 1925

With Olsen, the boat remained for 26 years. During this time, the world-famous opera singer Jussi Björling was among the guests on board on a couple of occasions. One can imagine that during these moments, he might have performed his iconic song Till Havs for his friends.

At some point in the 1930s, the boat was involved in a collision when a crew member took it without permission. In a state of intoxication, he was unable to maneuver properly and rammed another vessel, damaging the bow. The boat was subsequently repaired at Engholmen Shipyard, with the insurance company Atlantica covering the costs. In 1940, a fixed fire suppression system using carbon dioxide was installed. The mast was still long and equipped with sails in the 1930s but was shortened by one and a half meters in 1939. The fire suppression system saved the boat in the autumn of 1950 when the engine caught fire. Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished using the CO₂ system.

Picture below shows the boat at GKSS

1951–1952 Titus Floberg
In 1951, Olsen passed away, and haulier Titus Floberg purchased the boat, making modifications to the cabin. Its home ports were then Marstrand and Långedrag in Gothenburg. During winters, the boat was docked at Lagers Shipyard (Engholmen) and was exceptionally well maintained. During these years, the boat was named Valkyrian II.

Picture below shows the boat, as Valkyrian II after the rebuilding of the steering place in 1951. 

1952–1954 Rolf Lindén
According to Göran Sandström, in 1952, the boat was sold to Rolf Lindén for 22,500 SEK. The Buffalo engine remained in use until 1952, when it was replaced by a Hesselman engine.

1954–1978 Uno Ljungberg
According to the MYS (Swedish Yacht Association) registry from 1996, Uno Ljungberg acquired the boat in 1954, renaming it Vinga. It was converted into a taxi boat and also made trips with a sport fishing club called the Vingaklubben, which inspired the name change. During Ljungberg's ownership, the boat experienced many adventures, including another collision and a 14-day journey with Nils Dahlbeck and Crown Prince Carl Gustaf (now King Carl XVI Gustaf) on board. The trip reportedly included stops at Nidingen, Läsö in Denmark, and other locations.

A point of interest is that part of the film Lille Fridolf blir morfar is set in Gothenburg's harbor and archipelago, where Lille Fridolf (played by Douglas Håge) travels aboard Thelma, renamed Valfrid in the film. The boat appears in three extended scenes, piloted at the time by Lennart Bejre.