ambushed outside German-held Port
GWX2.1 April 19th, 1945, Imperia, Italy.
April 5th, 1945, I started my last patrol from Suda Bay on the Island of Crete. Patrolling through the Streit of Messina, heading to the Port of Imperia, Italy, on the French/Italian Border. The patrol is uneventful, 9 ships for 20k GRT.
April 19th, with all torpedos spent, I Head for Imperia. For the last 100k or so, I run on the surface, ahead standard. The port Apears blue on the map, and (as far as I know, Imperia is in German hands till the end of the war). 5/6k outside the harbor, I meet a ASW trawler outside the harbor. I was thinking, "Nice, a welcoming committee..."
A welcoming committee indeed. the ASW come to within 3k of me and let loose all weapon on board. There is no WARNING, no "WARSHIP Sighted". At first I thought I hit a mine or Anti-submarine net, so I go reversed. By the time I realize what was going on, HI is at 15% and I am doom.
What's going on? can someone verify Imperia is friendly on April 19th, 1945? And how can I be sure a harbor is indeed friendly before I enter it?
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