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1946: In Cologne, Germany, the Circus Williams advertises for a seamstress. Gunther pleads with his mother to apply for the job and Frau Gebel is hired. Frau Gebel leaves the Circus, but Gunther is captivated and stays on in the care of Harry and Carola Williams.
Harry Williams becomes Gunther's mentor. At the age of thirteen, Gunther trains for a life as a Circus acrobat. He becomes a stunt rider, learning to perform the dangerous technique of Roman Post Riding.
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| 1949: Illness prevents Harry Williams from performing one evening. Gunther fills in for the Circus owner and for the first time appears solo in a featured animal act. Gunther begins in earnest his career as an animal trainer, working first with horses, and then with a herd of performing elephants. |
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| 1951: The Circus Williams travels to England. During an exhibition of Roman chariot racing, Harry Williams is thrown. Fourteen days later, he dies of his injuries. |
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| 1952: Carola Williams asks the eighteen-year-old Gunther to join her in managing the Circus Williams. As a sign of affection, Mrs. Williams gives him the family name. Gunther Gebel becomes Gunther Gebel-Williams. |
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1954: At the age of twenty, Gunther's quiet authority, creative training methods, and uncanny ability to communicate with the wildest of animals have earned him a reputation throughout Europe. In the next five years, he will build on this reputation, honing his skills as a manager, trainer and performer. The Circus Williams flourishes.
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