U-Boat Commander Starts Over - Musings of Sorts
Well, after a long career aboard U-796 XXI, and over 400,000 GRT, the war ended. So, I started new career aboard U-196 IXC, based out of Penang, June 11, 1943. First mission was a supply drop to Manila through many small island chains. Had to make almost the entire run surfaced...aircraft everywhere. Its a wonder we survived. Sank 13 freighters on the return trip, many in shallow passages, attacking with deck gun and blaring music over the Gramaphone. One ran aground to avoid us, probably by accident. Well, 40,000 GRT isn't a bad start I suppose.
The crew did a nice job of shooting down one pesky aircraft. I passed out cans of black bread, beer and cheese as a reward. In retrospect, the combination may prove at bit much for our CO2 scrubbers!
I forgot how fast the batteries run down on the older boats! I think the XXI has spoiled me.
Waiting for nightfall...sk
R.H.v.H - U-196
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