[VonApist]

Stephan took of his cap and leaned on the map table. He knew that an attack against such a well protected convoy was a risk. He could not do it from distance as visibility on the surface was low. On the other hand, this fact was also an advantage. His Type-IID boat presented a pretty small target. Both on the surface and below the waves.

If worst came to worst he could try to make a run for it on the surface, decks awash, to present an even smaller radar target.

If he could move quietly within the convoy lines and attack from within, their chances for success would increase exponentially. Getting there without being detected was the first and maybe the toughest challenge. His second in command was right. It was a challenging attack. But he could not pass at the opportunity to attack such a juicy target. That was his job. That's the reason he was patrolling the Atlantic anyways.

For a moment, he was lost in his own thoughts. The crew's survival was on his shoulders. Twenty-five souls. Every call he made could spell the difference between survival and demise. And he had made a lot of calls in the course of the past 3 years . Every single day. Statistically, I am bound to make a mistake. He shook his head to clear his mind. Calm down. Typical pre-combat stress. You know better than that.

He straighten his back and put his cap on.

"Course 025. Speed 1 knot. 75 RPMs. Silent Running. Chief, take us to periscope depth and keep us there."

Gerald approached him. "Wouldnt it be better to do our approach from deep?" he enquired at a low voice, careful not to be overheard from the rest of the crew.

"No Gerald. Keeping close to the surface gives us two advantages. First, the escorts will have to come real close to get a fix on us as their sonar's cone of search is tilted downwards. Second, I want to be as close to surface as possible in order to to have a visual and get ready for the attack. Or to abort and make a run for it decks awash taking advantage of the bad weather if things turn unfavourable".

Gerald nodded in acknowledgment. He could learn a lot from this Kaleun. When he received his first post as a second in U-137, four months ago, he was sceptical. The U-Boats captain,Stephan Kloss, had the reputation of a maverick. Gerald now realised that risks were taken but they were well calculated and the approach was always methodical. Little was left to luck. He felt re-assured.

Stephan turned to Jorg. "Keep your ears with them. Escpecially escorts. If you hear any of them changing course towards us, let me know immediately."

"Yes sir" Jorg replied and put on his headset for another sweep.

***
Ninety minutes later they had reached their desired attack spot. It had been a stressful journey as the convoy and escort screen was approaching and they had to stop the U-Boat 4 times in order to make sure that the destroyers were not onto them.

Stephan checked his wristwatch. 02:00. Jorg could hear the screws of the approaching vessels loud and clear now. The escorts were circling the merchants as bees around a hive. According to his calculations their U boat was positioned right ahead of the convoy, between the lines of approaching ships. He moved towards the periscope.

"All stop. All silent. Chief, trim and make sure we stay below. Periscope UP"

U-137's Kaleun slung his arms around the periscope's handle and performed a quick sweep. He turned the scope towards the heading were the convoy was expected to make a pass. He could see nothing....wait...There was a silhouette. A Black Swan destroyer at the limits of his visibility making a pass. The front screen destroyer. Her course suggested that they hadnt spotted them. Good.

"Destoyer, dead ahead, distance 1Km." He reported to his second. "Course east. Sailors, I dont want to hear a sound. Keep your mouth shut and ask permission even for a fart."

"Jorg, update on warships" he then whispered..
It took a minute for the experienced hydrophone operator to perform his sweep.

" Bearings 220 long distance, 240, 270 long, 315 long, 340 long, 015 medium."

" I have the 015 on visual. Thats six Jorg." Stephan replied. "Where is the other one? The seventh? We had seven warships in the vicinity 10 minutes ago."

Jorg put on his headset again. After a minute he reported again. "I get six, Herr kaleun. Cant get a fix on the seventh".

Stephan took his face off the periscope's eyepiece and turned towards Jorg.

He didnt like this. He didnt like it at all.

(To be continued)