We were uncomfortably close to a huge cargo vessel - less than 500 meters to port. Large black shadows of ship hulls filled the optics. I raised the periscope and quickly scanned the surface. “Come up to periscope depth Chief.” The boat slowly moved toward the surface and still the escort’s hydrophone contact remained distant. A few minutes passed and the merchant contacts began to appear on both sides of our position which meant we were in the convoy’s ranks. We moved in closer to the convoy’s position using only sound contacts to guide us as I didn’t dare come back up to periscope depth yet. We could no longer hear any pinging which meant we were in the clear for the moment. Reports from the hydrophone station showed that the escort had moved away and was searching in vain for us. Our surprise party is shot but we’ll still get to have some fun.” We were still going to try and get into the convoy ranks and set up an attack. Otto whispered “These Tommy’s are poor shots Kaleu.” A quick check revealed no damage to the boat. Depth Charges, Kaleu!” a few seconds later we heard explosions. I knew what was coming next.įrom the hydrophone station came the yell “Splashes. I could hear the escort’s propellers moving closer. “Crash Dive to 50 meters and change course to 235.” The sound of “Alarm!” went up and the boat nosed down into the depths. An escort has searchlights and even on a pitch black night like this one could see a periscope wake at less than 1000m. I couldn’t believe I had made such an elementary error. I should have lowered the scope until we were past him. We were trying to skirt around the escort to get into the convoy ranks, but had to get pretty close to do so. Warship changing course and closing fast!” “Verdammt!” The diesel fumes must have gotten to me. We’ll hit that first.”Ī yell came from the hydrophone operator. “I see two tankers - one an 11,000 tonner. I had awarded him the Iron Cross First Class after our last patrol for his superb torpedo skills. We had gone through U-boat training together and had been together since U-53’s first patrol. Otto Totenhagen was U-53’s weapon officer and my right hand man. “Mein Gott!” “There are some big bastards out there Otto!” Lieutenant, Jr. Through the periscope the recognizable shapes of ship hulls began to appear out of the inky blackness. We crept closer to the convoy and the escort. He was about 3500 meters away now and zigzaging along the convoy’s path.” Let’s ease our way around the Tommy and get inside the convoy ranks.
I took another look at the escort through the scope.
Long range.” We quickly had a chart full of hydrophone contacts to our west and moving directly toward us. Maybe he the shepherd? Out leading his flock of sheep?” The crew in the bridge smiled.Īlmost as soon as I had said this, the hydrophone operator started listing off merchant ship contacts. Once the boat was down I took a look through the periscope. “Dive! Periscope depth Chief.” The watch flew down the ladder and slammed the hatch. One hour later the call came down from the bridge. Not optimum conditions for an attack, but we would make do. It was a pitch black night with no moon but the seas were relatively calm. “Watch Officer Marbach, put your best men on the bridge. Course 256.”Īlmost two hours later, we reached our destination - a spot that should leave us directly in front of the approaching convoy. We should be able to get directly in front of the convoy’s path-” I paused “-if they don’t change course.” “Ahead full. “Can we make it, Kaleu?” “Fortune is with us Fritz. Sub-lieutenant Friedrichs had proved himself a superb officer and navigator on my previous patrols. Speed 7 knots” I ran to the chart table and checked the distance with the Navigation Officer. “What do those bastards want now?” They’ve had us patrolling this desolate stretch of ocean for two days with not so much as a fishing trawler to show for it. “Kaleu, message from BdU.” I took the note from the wireless operator. (BTW I didn't notice until just now that the month/date in game for my encounter is the same as it is in 2005. I hope some others will share some stories too! This one is a bit long but I've broken it into parts. I am going to start making a habit of capturing screens as I go to have them if I do another one. I wish I had thought of capturing screens as it occurred, but I was too involved and riveted to even think about it. Everything that I describe happened in-game. I felt inspired to create an AAR (my first) to commemorate it. I had some of the most amazing gaming moments I have ever had last night while on a patrol in 1940 with my boat U-53. I am starting a new thread so we can post our war stories about this great game in one place.