23.8.1939 Kiel Harbor 1st day at sea
After 5 months of conversion and training the Hilfskreuzer Ship-15 is ready for service. Under the command of FKpt.z.S Hans Felix Brinkmann (former artillery officer of the Admiral Scheer) Ship-15 is ordered to make for the Central Atlantic and await further orders. Since arriving at Kiel on 1.8.1939 Ship-15 has been taking on provisions, fuel, water, ammunition, etc. enough to last up to one year at sea. In the meantime Brinkmann has been in Berlin being briefed, (On September 1, 1939 at 05:45 Poland will be invaded, Ship-15 is to remain undetected in southern waters. If Hostilities have not ended by September 25th The Kommandant is authorized to begin commerce raiding. From 50N to the equator.)
Ship-15 will be disguised as a transport under the Reich Service flag, the disguise is as follows,
Outer hull painted black
Deck hatches, ventilators, winches, etc. painted grey.
Superstructure and funnel painted grey.
Masts Grey with crow's nest
Cannons I and IV disguised and painted as deckhouses.
Boats set out
German flag hoisted on the mainmast.
Ship 15 is ordered to depart Kiel on 24.8.1939 at midnight.
