I couldn't resist it.
"Have a look boys, do you want to see your boss getting a soaking?"
The watch gather round.
It's not often Willi gets to do his lucky ritual, I don't normally let him for one thing, which is why he painted the Laughing Swordfish in the control room by the ladder. But he has to touch his and our lucky mascot when we're in the thick of things.
Anyway, today I see a bit of a sea swell coming, and I have Otto turning into it. Crazy I know, playing a practical joke in the middle of a torpedo attack, and also distracting the watch, but ask any seaman, soldier or airman; it happens.
But the wave was much bigger and growing. It was going to swamp the boat.
Willi, having paid his homage to the Laughing Swordfish looked up to the Bridge, grinned and waved.
"Willi! Get up here now! Willi! Look out!"
Only then, as he started up the ladder, did his smiling face turn to see the freak wave about to descend on the boat.
When the sheer weight of water hit the side of the boat, it knocked all five of us on the bridge to the deck.
One of the watch, Venn I think, managed to haul me spluttering to my feet.
"Willi!....Willi!!....Willi!!!"
"Bridge to Control, all stop!"
"Willi!"
We peered anxiously over the side........
LS
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