"Keep looking Bruno"
We've now scoured the area several times since the last Royal Navy vessel has left.
It's daft really. I have doubled the watch to look out for lurking destroyers but half the crew are roaming on the deck casing hoping to spot one of ours. We'll never all get back in time if we need to crash.
I can't risk the boat.
"Boatswain, send two thirds of these blokes below. Have them ready for a turn on deck in three shifts, the ones you take below will be two and three. Have at least a petty officer in charge of them at all times.
"Yes Sir, anything else, Sir"
"Tell Kuki it's ok to make loads of hot coffee or soup for everyone, and also do what you have to do to get some dry blankets and clothing ready, also any inflatables...I was waving my hand vaguely, he was smiling and already moving.
U-46 is only inching through the water. The Doc is on the bridge, peering anxiously.
"We'll give it a bit longer, Oscar, I promise"
The water lapping against our hull is black with oil and the flotsam and jetsam of a sinking. Even several clearly dead bodies. Funny how we never cared about it so much before.
Myself, Oscar and two other hands have dropped down to the main deck.
"Watch your quarters, men! Ships and planes! Ships and planes!"
It was encouraging to know that Bruno was keeping his watch on their toes
"Don't forget us if you dive, Number Two"
"You know the rules, Sir!"
Yes, the old Kiel mantra.
(Last man down the hatch buys the schnapps. For everyone behind him, the salt water is free)
Oscar turns and smiles.
"He's a cheeky little....
"...shush, Doc...!
"...Did you hear something, just then...?"
Even Bruno turned serious, and was staring hard out of our starboard bow.
"There it is again" says Oscar.
"Hilfe...Hilfe mir, bitte...bitte...bitte...Hilfe...."
Lt de Bunsen, U-46
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