Sigurd
12-12-07, 11:55 AM
After commanding U-123 for over a year, my crew and I recieved orders that we would be transfering to the Type VII/C U-205. None of us were happy to make the switch, U-123 was our home at sea, and the feeling never quite left. Our patrol grid was empty, except for some of the worst weather I have ever experienced. Radio reports continued to come in of sinking after sinking, and my crew was becoming anxious. Suddenly, while coming up the western side of Spain, we recieved a report of a warship heading south towards our position.
Feeling lucky, and noticing that we wouldnt have to travel far to reach an intercept point, I ordered ahead full towards the ship. At about 15:00 (actual contact time not recorded), we made contact with a destroyer about 5km away. I almost decided to just give up and sneak away before we were spotted, when I noticed another ship. Closer investigation revealed it to be the battleship HMS Anson. I grinned as I continued surveying and saw the HMS Prince of Wales right behind it. Played catch up for an hour, then I began plotting my attack. The ships were still far away, but I wasnt about to risk running any faster then 5 kts. Firing solutions were drawn up for the Anson and Prince, and I launched 2 eel salvos under their keels. The ones headed for the Prince missed completely, and only one hit the Anson. I felt my heart sink when I thought that they would get away, until I noticed the ship slow down. I passed the word to my crew, and silent celebrations were had.
Several of the destroyers began looking around, so I made a silent decent to deeper waters. At about 16:20, they gave up and continued on their way. I ordered all tubes reloaded and parascope depth. A quick scan revealed that the Anson had indeed come to a dead stop, and the Prince of Wales and escorts were now too far to help. A single eel was launched at the Anson, which was enough to do it in, and it sank at 16:28, all 35,900 tons of it. When we pulled into port, crowds and reporters were lined up to congragulate us, and one of the reporters informed me that I had become the top U-Boat ace. The Anson put me ahead of ol' Otto Kretschmer by 23,100 tons. The torpedo crew all recieved the Iron Cross 2nd class for their actions, and speed in reloading.
I think the crew and I will enjoy our stay :hmm:
(Sorry for the long read, needless to say, I was excited to say the least when that thing went down:arrgh!: )
Feeling lucky, and noticing that we wouldnt have to travel far to reach an intercept point, I ordered ahead full towards the ship. At about 15:00 (actual contact time not recorded), we made contact with a destroyer about 5km away. I almost decided to just give up and sneak away before we were spotted, when I noticed another ship. Closer investigation revealed it to be the battleship HMS Anson. I grinned as I continued surveying and saw the HMS Prince of Wales right behind it. Played catch up for an hour, then I began plotting my attack. The ships were still far away, but I wasnt about to risk running any faster then 5 kts. Firing solutions were drawn up for the Anson and Prince, and I launched 2 eel salvos under their keels. The ones headed for the Prince missed completely, and only one hit the Anson. I felt my heart sink when I thought that they would get away, until I noticed the ship slow down. I passed the word to my crew, and silent celebrations were had.
Several of the destroyers began looking around, so I made a silent decent to deeper waters. At about 16:20, they gave up and continued on their way. I ordered all tubes reloaded and parascope depth. A quick scan revealed that the Anson had indeed come to a dead stop, and the Prince of Wales and escorts were now too far to help. A single eel was launched at the Anson, which was enough to do it in, and it sank at 16:28, all 35,900 tons of it. When we pulled into port, crowds and reporters were lined up to congragulate us, and one of the reporters informed me that I had become the top U-Boat ace. The Anson put me ahead of ol' Otto Kretschmer by 23,100 tons. The torpedo crew all recieved the Iron Cross 2nd class for their actions, and speed in reloading.
I think the crew and I will enjoy our stay :hmm:
(Sorry for the long read, needless to say, I was excited to say the least when that thing went down:arrgh!: )