So, here i am, Mr, IX skipper on my first VII career since i started playing SH3. Oh don't get me wrong ive had a number of VII boats, but that was awhile ago. Point being its been awhile.
So, 2nd patrol on U-333, oct41. Ive been submerged by day, surfaced at night in the CG area west of Gibralter.
At 06:30, greylight conditioins are just setting in. So ive been in the habit of diving about this time for the duration of the day, surfacing only at 0 hour to recharge batteries. Conserving diesal for a long stay. Amazingly i have very little in the way of contacts.
Ive been doing this for about 2 weeks now, and suddenly at 06:28,
WO: Aircraft spotted! Short range!
My thoughts, "Thats just great, thanks for telling me!"
Too late to dive, about the only thing i have time for is to put the boat to flank speed, put my head between my legs and kiss my ass goodbye. With only 1 flak gun (VII/1 CT), not much else to do except go to the bridge and watch the show.
So the sunderland comes in low and fast, drops his bombs which impact right along the starbord side, aft of the conning tower in the engine room. Im thrown to the deck with a violent blur.
Quick look shows 28% H.I.
Ok... i might pull out of this.. maybe, if i can get under to 20 meters... if only. I notice im not moving and order flank speed. No response.
upon further examination.
Diesals destroyed
battery went from 100% to 50%.
Main pump destroyed
etc etc. you name it, it was smashed.
So there i am, dead in the water. No propulsion, my bridge crew was killed, every crewmember except a couple of stouthearted bootsman are panicked, and the boat is taking on water that i cannot pump out because the pumps are out of action.
Like a deer in headlights, i just watched the boat flood. ( Acutally i was facinated by the mechanics of it all ) On the bridge, i just stood there, wishing i could say, "abandon ship!" but can't
So the boat's decks are now awashed, and the stern is going under. We're sinking, and here comes that blasted vulture again coming around for the coup de grace.
Didn't make it for 3 patrols. U-333 sunk on 2nd patrol.