Q: Where did you go next?
As I said, my view was that as soon as the element of surprise was lost, you had to move to a different area. That’s the way it goes on submarines. So, we headed out to open sea, and set off to patrol in the vicinity of Nordkapp. When we got there next morning, there was a strong wind and a heavy sea; but in the blowing spray, we soon spotted what looked like an armed tug or minesweeper. It was difficult keeping up with him, but when we dived down for a hydroacoustic check, there was a surprise in store for us - he was not alone. In fact, other noises soon revealed that he was the starboard escort to a convoy, which was passing to our north.
Q: Were you able to attack the convoy?
No, we were not - especially in that weather, keeping up speed was difficult. However we were able to determine that there was at least 3 merchants and 3 escorts in it, and they were heading due east at a speed of approximately 10 knots. I figured that it was headed to the Petsamo-Kirkenes area with supplies for German troops invading our country from there. I sent that information off to HQ, and they replied thanking us for the report, but ordering to break off contact. I think that was a smart decision on their part, and although it was frustrating that we didn’t get a shot at the convoy, it was probably for the better - the HQ surely wanted the prevent the convoy from getting spooked or scattered before they could send in aviation at it.
We broke off contact, but followed roughly in their wake just in case. By evening we were well to the east, near the entrance to Kjolle-fjord. The weather calmed down. It was the 13th of July, and hell was breaking loose all over the front - but the radio broadcasts tried to keep a very aggressive, attacking tone to encourage a fighting spirit. We certainly had a fighting spirit.
To be continued...