My fifth patrol with U24, type IIA, ended safely in Kiel. Sinds last post I was on my way to the Shetland Islands,engaged another merchant and sunk it with two torpedos. Actually, one missed, and I finished it off with my flaggun.
I was now heading for Blackpool to find out if I could do some harm with my last torpedo when all kind off contacts popped up. My first convoy but to far away. Second convoy, also out off reach. Small vessel sunk in front of my eyes before I could identify it. But then Large Merchant, closing, longe range. I positioned myself, in rough sea, and hit him with my last torp.
Not sure it would go down, I pumped it full with 400 shots out of my flaggun. Eventually the flaggun didn't sink it but the rough sea and my only torp on the right spot did it. Just a matter of time.
Also will be more patient with my torpedos. Small merchant, one torp. Sink it with flaggun if necessary.
After my return, I sunk almost 15K, got 7 medals but no promotions. So before my next patrol I make sure to give some extra's using SH3C. I will reword Karl Beck for his heroic action, manning the flaggun in such rough sea.
We spend Christmas on sea but returned on 30 december 1939, so my crew can spend new year with the family.
CU on my next patrol, Marcel
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