To BDU
From U-53
26 May 1940. Position AM2498
Encountered task force, 3 Battleships, 2-3 cruisers and several escorts. Had only one torpedo in tube II and one in IV. Attacked Nelson. Magnetic shot near the stern. Nelson stopped and sank in 15 minutes.
Kptlt. Balz, J.S.
PS to Admiral Doenitz:
The German people and the Reich have nothing to fear when Johan Sebastian Balz is at sea.
.
Since this is my second Schlagshiff on this patrol, I'm sure the Fuhrer will not object if you would add some diamonds to my Knight's Cross. Matter of fact that would be a great photo op for you (shaking hands with the great Balz). Looking forward to seeing you at the dock on my triumphal return to Willi.
Yours faithfully
Johan Sebastian Balz
The shining example for the Kriegsmarine.