Lorient 3 July 1940
Approaching the deock, Balz said, "I see the Admiral waiting for us. He will congratulate me, shake my hand, give me medals. He will also give out medals for the crew. He will invite me to drink champagne with him so that heīll have time to properly admire me."
As soon as the gangway was secured, Doenitz hurried aboard. He returned Balzīs salute, cleared his throat. "Balz, what in the devil are you doing here?" "Nothing yet, Herr Admiral."
"Your orders are Wilhelmshaven."
"My boat is severely kaputed. But if you wish I can go to Wilhelmshaven by train and while there I can pick up a type IX."
"The only picking youīll do is your nose while in the brig."
Balz kept standing at attention. "Do I get a medal for brig time?"
The Admiralīs face grew purple.
A staff officer came aboard holding a telephone. "Der Fuhrer is on the line." Doenitz lifted the receiver. "I am listening, mein Fuhrer Ja, mein Fuhrer," he answered smiling. "He has just arrived. Yes, yes. Very heroic, even though damaged, he heroically pressed the attack until Revenge was no more. Iīm promoting him to Kapitan Leutnant. Yes, yes, I will give him leave so he can visit you."
Doenitz handed the receiver to Balz. "Say something to our Fuhrer."
Balz took the phone. "Hi Hitler."
After a brief chat, Balz hung up.
Doenitz glared at Balz. "Before you even ask, the answer is no. And do you know why?"
"No."
"No?"
"No."
"Because you drive me crazy."
"Yes?"
"Yes!"
"Can I ask in Japanese while speaking French?"
Next installment soon 