MY LIFE IN THE KRIEGSMARINE
Excerpts from the Memoirs of
Bernard Offalmann
February 15, 1940
I have arrived! I’ll never forget the sights and sounds I experienced when I got to my new duty assignment. The dock was a virtual beehive of activity. There was a band playing inspirational songs and people waving and cheering as they greeted a U-boat coming into the dock. There was even a balloon vendor on the dock giving out balloons to the children and women. My chest was nearly bursting with pride as I knew I was a part of all this. The balloon vendor even gave me a balloon at no charge! I lugged my gear to U-50 where I immediately came in contact with Leutnant Weiss. I asked Leutnant Weiss for permission to come aboard and when he looked at me the strangest expression came upon his face. Then he seemed to lose focus and was staring at something in the distance behind me then he looked back at me and appeared to be extremely angry!!! He ordered me to drop all my gear and I did so coming to attention as I did it. I made sure my position of attention was executed perfectly and smartly. First impressions are so very important although, I do regret losing my balloon. I presented my orders to him and, barely glancing at them, told me he was expecting me as the training commandant had called ahead notifying U-50 of my posting. Leutnant Weiss added I was everything he was told to expect. (If I have time I will have to write to my former Commandant and thank him!)
Leutnant Weiss informed me he needed me immediately for a detail. He explained that the air compressor and the main compressed air tank were under repairs. As a result they needed compressed air in portable tanks temporarily while repairs were underway. I was tasked to go to a supply depot (a warehouse very close on the pier) and obtain some at once. I knew this was my chance to show them how efficient I can be! I immediately thought of the balloon vendor. There was a tank of compressed air, and less than 100 meters from the U-boat! Being dismissed I ran to the vendor and he gladly turned over his tank to me. Lugging the tank back was hard work but it didn’t take long since it was so close. (For which I am very thankful.) When I got it to the U-boat I took it over to the rest of the temporary tanks on the deck. The other tanks were hooked into hoses that led down into the U-boat and I was ordered by Leutnant Weiss to attach the new tank. As I had nothing else to do for the moment I stood by the tanks and awaited new orders. After a short period of time a man with a white officers hat poked up out of the hatch the hoses went down. This was my Captain! I must say, my first impression of him was rather mixed. He had the look of a very capable man and in that respect he was everything I had come to expect. Then he spoke. His voice was very rushed and had a high pitch to it that I cannot describe well. I suppose it was not unlike a phonograph that was being played too quickly. This will take some getting used to. The Captain noticed me and asked me who I was. After giving him a short explanation he ordered me to retrieve my gear and get settled. When I entered the U-boat it appeared everyone spoke with this rapid pinched voice!! Indeed, after only a few moments I found I too spoke that way. Then I realized! I’m inside a pressure hull … of course! I hadn’t taken into account the effect the pressure differential might have. I exited the U-boat (as it took several trips to get my gear down the tiny hatchway) and after a few moments I was speaking normally again confirming my theory. I will have to make a mental note of this and not speak to anyone for a few moments after I exit the U-boat. I don’t like the way it makes my voice sound. I am looking forward to seeing the galley, perhaps I will write of this tomorrow.
**End of second installment