February 1943, The entrance to the channel is heavy guarded. There is 10 to 12 DD's and Flower Corvets. I've started my approach at 9.00 about 10 km from the entrance. I was very patient, silent speed, many engine turn offs, and miiiiiiinutes of waiting. When I was about 2 km from the entrance DD had detected me and started it's run. It was hell. I really looked death right in the eyes
, DD droped depth charges and I thought to my self ... it's the end of my brilliant career but ...... DD missed. Great God I couldn't belive it, it almost run over me, only 15 m deep and I'm still alive?. DD droped charges too early, but I did proper use of my aft tube. One DD was gone. In response 4 DD came after me and some planes too, but I managed to reach channel and entered it from it's left support channel or sth. Channel defences are: 4 stationary artillery batteries, 4 stationary searchlights. At Port Said I report presence of: 1 Greek Heavy Cruiser, 1 Dido Class Cruiser, 1 DD, 1 troop transport, 1 small tanker, 1 med tanker and some merchants including 1 large marchant, 1 C3 etc. All about 10 ships. I also report heavy enemy air forces activity. Channel depth is about 15 m. Width about 150 m. Enemy activity in the channel is rather low. In the middle of the channel there is, let's say "lake". There were 3 DD'd guarding it. I downed one of them. They are really prepared and ready. One of them (the dead one) detected me, so ... my aft tube fired again. The second one came fast after me but ... funny ... British Airforce save my ...tail. One of planes droped it's payload right on the second DD. Due to attack DD was heavily damaged and broke off the attack meanwhile fighting with heavy flooding. The third DD didn't atack to avoid possible fiendly fire. I sailed away on silence speed, so I'm in His Majesty Air forces debt. At the exit of the Channel there are 2 stationary artillery batterries and 2 stationary searchlights. There're also 2 DD's guarding it. One of them .. on the bottom
Crossing channel everytime be aware of enemy planes patrols and prepared to dive. But be careful there is only 15 m deep. Crossing is time and fuel consuming, especially approaching the entrance. I've crossed the channel at night almost at full speed, not mentioned "lake". Nevertheless it's possible to reach Penang (starting point La Spezia) but you have to pay carefull attention to your fuel reserves.
Wish you good luck captains. See you on the ...beach:rotfl: