[Enchanter]

Personal Diary of Gerhard Linden 4 March ’41 – 12 March ‘41

“Milk missions.”
“Pardon?” I asked at the muttered phrase from Fritz.
“Milk missions. Go out. See the world. Return with stale milk. That’s what we’re doing Herr Kaleun.” Fritz grumbled as we continued home from a fruitless patrol.
I smiled at my Chief Engineer’s grumpiness, and noted the mirthful chuckles on the bridge. Despite the patrol we still had a good atmosphere on board. ‘Tug Boat Charlie’ had been heard complaining that our reputation was so fearsome many ships refused to sail in terror of meeting us. He despaired of ever firing his beloved ‘Kaleun’s Ire’ again. I doubted that, but it lightened the mood of the men. We pulled into port in the late morning and secured the ship. I entered my commanders office and gave our short report. With a sigh, he told me that various other boats were experiencing the same problems. He invited me to sit, and we spent an hour discussing possible patrol zones. I spoke of my conviction that our best hunting grounds still existed along England’s western coast. He agreed, but pointed out the increased and aggressive defense systems the English had begun using. We were sending our younger commanders into the area and many returned battered and de-moralized. Those who ever returned.
“The problem is,” I began, “that we are sending our inexperienced commanders into the hornets nest. Our best Kaleun’s and boats should be going into those areas. Post the young ones near shipping routes in deep water, or close to the shelf approaches. That way they can gain some experience without risking the heavy destroyers of the coast.”
The commander had no doubt been considering this, a heavy break with established tradition, and had wanted to hear similar thoughts from his more senior Kaleun’s. With a nod he indicated agreement. Then informed me I would be patrolling in close to the coast in my next patrol. Then we spent another hour discussing the new IX class boat that had come into service, and her newer IXC class that would be released shortly. Finally, I broached the subject that I had been pondering since we embarked on the cruise.
“Kommandant… do you perhaps know where I can buy jewelry?” The smirk accompanying the raised eyebrow brought a flush to my face.
“Not for you I assume Gerhard?” He smiled.
“No sir, I have more than enough.” I quipped. He chuckled.
“It so happens one of my yeomen here had family in the jewelers business. Hold on.”
He yelled for his secretary and called for the yeoman to report to him. 5 minutes later the young man was at attention before us. He looked nervous, but he kept his back straight and his eyes fixed on a spot directly above the Commanders head.
”Hans, how’s your family business?” The young man gulped.
“Good thank you sir.”
“You know who this is right?” Was the next question, with a waved hand indicating my general direction. Another gulp.
“Yes sir. This is Kapitanleutnant Linden, Kaleun of U-49. Sir.”
“And he wants to make a purchase.” The mans faced broadened in a smile.
“Of course Kaleun, I would be honored.”
“You won’t overcharge him like you did me now Hans?” And the smile disappeared.
“Err…”
“Go, Hans. You have 10 minutes to get some goods in here, then I send the MP’s to find you.” The man bolted. We chatted for 9 minutes and the flushed man re-appeared. He must have run the entire base and back. I examined the three rings he had brought with him, all meager, small objects, but given the war I was hardly surprised. Then it dawned on me to ask, “How did you know to bring diamond rings?”
The man smiled broadly, “If the Kaleun will forgive me sir…but…well your lady is well regarded at the base.” I eyed him suspiciously. “What I err mean sir…is umm…well it was obvious it was only a matter of time sir…” My eyebrows narrowed and he shut his lips. A chuckle behind me confirmed the commanders mirth. Finally I chose a ring, not for its beauty, but simply because it was the smallest band there. It also managed to hold the most diamonds. A fact I didn’t appreciate until Hans pointed it out. He gave me a price, and I schooled my features to stillness. Almost double what I had expected. A cleared throat from the commander and a stern look from me frightened the poor Seaman into bringing the price down substantially. I nodded, and pulled the wad of notes I had taken from my office safe, from my pocket. Hans made to leave, but I took hold of his shoulder and looked into his brown eyes.
“Now Hans,” I began and the man gulped again, “I would be most displeased to hear that anyone knew about this purchase.” I squeezed his shoulder for emphasis. The gulp was louder.
“Of course Kaleun.” He stuttered, and I nodded. He bolted for the door and I smiled at the Commander. He chuckled as he said, “He’s a good kid. I doubt he’ll mention anything to anyone.”
“He also undercharged me for that ring.” I said worriedly, “I feel quite bad about that.”
“Don’t you worry,” the Commander answered with a wave of his hand, “I pretend not to notice him taking a pinch or two of the coffee from my tea service when he cleans up. He sells it for a pretty penny to the civilians, so he’s more than made his money back!” I chuckled. Then thanked my old friend and commanding officer.

A few days later I celebrated Suzanne’s birthday with her. The morning of the 16th, she walked into work to find her desk covered in flowers. I had pulled a few strings to arrange that when I had chatted with her Assistant Head Nurse. She had agreed to replace Suzanne for the day. I arrived at the hospital shortly after she began her shift and walked into her office to find her staring at the forest of yellow and red blooms.
She smiled broadly as I wished her and gave her a kiss. Then I told her to get her coat, as she and I were going to breakfast. She protested, pointing out her busy schedule, and Lottie, her assistant breezed in and shooed her off, telling her that her birthday present from the staff was a day off. With a suspicious glance at me, she gathered her things and we exited the hospital. The waiting staff car gave her a moments pause, but she and I drove off into the morning. We had discovered a little bluff overlooking the ocean just outside the town of St. Nazaire. The locals often gathered there and over time the town council had placed several stone benches and tables for picnickers. She babbled happily as we made our way to the bench overlooking the bluff, pleasantly surprised by the basket I carried with me. Seating her at the stone table with the best view of the pristine water, I laid out the breakfast. The war had taken it’s toll, though food was hardly scarce, it was hardly the flamboyant affair it had been when we first arrived at St. Nazaire. Nevertheless I had managed to locate a few croissants, a touch of jam and a fine bottle of champagne that I had bullied out of the officer in charge of the base mess. I figured my prestige earned me some leeway!
Suzanne laughed merrily as we ate and chatted, she particularly enjoyed the two champagne flutes I had stowed in the basket, wrapped in several layers of brown paper to keep them safe. Idly she chewed a piece of fruit as she cuddled up with her back resting on me, enjoying the view of a destroyer tacking along the coastline towards the port. Then I asked her to give me a hand cleaning up the breakfast, and she happily obliged, scuttling off to throw away the debris of a picnic in the only, and strategically far away, dirt bin. She returned, and I had the rest of the picnic packed away, and the two glasses of bubbling champagne set on the table. I offered her a glass and suggested we sit on the grass near the edge of the bluff. The wind played across us and lifted the dress she wore to her knees as we sat in the sun chatting on the grass. She looked over the view and smiled up at me.
“The war seems so far away here. Thank you for a wonderful breakfast. It was so romantic!”
“I have my moments,” I grinned.
“That’s why we keep you…” she smiled as she lifted the glass to her lips. My breath caught, and she stopped halfway, looking into the glass. Then her eyes widened as drew the ring from the glass. Her eyes wide with wonder, she turned the ring over and stared at it. Then her eyes met mine, stunned, unsure of what to say.
“Suzanne Wikus. It is my honour and privilege, to ask for your hand in marriage. I’ve loved you since the day I saw you, and I love you still. You echo in my heart, my dreams and my thoughts. Will you marry…” I never finished the rehearsed line, as she dropped her glass and threw her arms around my neck. Her cheek against mine she whispered in my ear, “Yes…yes…yes…you silly sailor! Of course I’ll marry you!”

Gerhard Linden
U-49 Kapt.