The coxswain reports all men reported back from shore leave. The men are all sporting a tin laughing swordfish badge on their regulation caps. All are smiling and ready to go again. Marvellous what a hot bath, a cold beer or two, and the company of a 'friendly' girl will do
The last was Kurt, running back breathlessly to the dock with a very heavy kit bag
"How was Damage Control School, Kurt?"
"Good, Sir. But they seem to be missing some specialist tools, that aren't issued here in Kiel."
Despite his best efforts, his kit bag clanked suspiciously as he lowered it down
After our last prang, the Number One and the Harbour watch have performed miracles. Otto, the Chief, has been over everything twice with a fine toothed comb. Even he smiled once, and that's good enough for me
I opened our new patrol orders this morning. No transfer to France, but in a way we're going there all the same
BF12. That means the Bay of Biscay
Only Otto knows. He likes to conserve fuel on the way out. And I like to have some left for some hard running when we get there
Now Ernst is gone, our new flak gunner is going to have to be on his toes. I've ordered extra drills on the 20mm as soon as we are in open sea. Otherwise he'll be learning on the job
Bernhardt from U-217 has just come back from the same area. He looked tired, red-eyed and was drinking schnapps too fast last night
"Look to the skies" was all he mumbled
It was Heidi who passed me my orders this morning, not that other battle-axe. She smiled at me. Does she do that to all the Commanders, or is there any hope?
A succession of orders and the diesels kick in. The band starts up, and we dutifully stand to attention. Hard to tell whether she's standing on the dock. I'm told that she doesn't like to see the boats go off, only when they return; but I thought I caught a glimpse of blonde hair right at the end of the quay
Now I have other pre-occupations. U-46 and 51 men are going back in
I wish I had her picture, though.......
Lt de Bunsen, U-46
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