[Kaptlt.Endrass]

Sorry bout the wait. Tommy made an impromtu raid on Lorient while I was headed out, and a Lancaster got off three close misses and knocked out my electrics before we even got past the lighthouse. Anyway, let's get this going!

Port of Departure: Lorient, France (U-boot Pen 6)
29 August 1942, 0221 hours
Kapitanleutnant zur See Otis von Bismarck
U-181

Walking onto base, numerous figures were there to see us off, even the Fuhrer himself. He greeted the crew and adressed us personally before we disembarked.

At 0140 hours, the moorings were cast off and the order was given for Ahead Standard. We followed our sperrbrechher escort out of harbor. Along the way, on ships, docks, submarines, and in the pens, the entire complement of the Lorient Kreigsmarine bade us farewell. At 0154 hours, we broke off from our escort and headed out into the open water.

Our first stop will be the U-459, off of the African coast. At our current speed of 12 knots, it will take nearly three weeks to meet our allies. Hopefully, they will still be on patrol.

8 September 1942, 1543 hours
Kapitanleutnant zur See Otis von Bismarck
U-181

Spotted four Swordfish bombers at 1541 hours, dived to 25 meters and avoided attack.

8 September 1942, 1607 hours
Leutnant zur See Hans Gerbach (IWO)
U-181

Remained submerged and checked for enemy warships with no contacts for 15 minutes. Surfaced at 1605, Kapitan Bismarck went to bed. Continued south at ahead standard.

17 September 1942, 0003 hours
Kapitanleutnant zur See Otis von Bismarck
U-181

Met up with U-tanker U-459 at 2356, currently refueling and resupplying. Recieved mail from an Arado floatplane. Will continue mission by patrolling off the cape, then push on. Crew morale is average, and we remain yet to see enemy ships.


That's the first leg down. We'll be headed south to patrol off of South Africa in hopes of catching a convoy. Stay tuned for more!