(fiction) A diary of the U-11

[the.terrabyte.pirate]

The diary of Oberfahnrich Hans Dietrichs, Navigator aboard the IIB U-11.

31 July 1939

Dear Liesa.

We were all sorry to farewell Kaulein Mann, but it was for the best. He may have believed that the posting at the academy was a step back, but I believe that it may have extended his life for another few years. His arthritis was getting worse, and we could all see he was having difficulty climbing up and down the conning tower. It may have been a blow to his pride, but being able to use his vast experience training future boat commanders will be of more value to the fatherland than having him potter about in this old tub.

Soon after that we lost our first watch officer Leutnant Bauer to a promotion and the command of a new Type V, and he took our Chief Engineer Leutnant Weiss with him. For three days Leutnant Hart was in command, but then he two was transferred to a new boat. That left me as the senior ranking officer. Can you believe it? My first (temporary) command.

A shame the boat was tied to the wharf the whole time.

Two days ago we received an unofficial visit from a Leutnant Fritz Marbach, who turned out to be our replacement Chief Engineer. I was busy at the time with the workmen scampering over the boat like fleas, and the first I knew about him was walking into the engine room and discovering him tapping away at the diesels with a spanner, while Baldow (covered in grease) sheepishly watched on. He seems a nice enough sort, doesn't seem to care that much for protocol, and Baldow tells me he knows his way around an engine room. The engine crew aren't that easy to impress, but I've never seen the engines look that clean, or the crew that dirty.

I met Kaulein Waltenburg early yesterday morning. He arrived with our new First Officer Oberleutnant Arendt. I understand that the two of them were serving together before being assigned to the U-11. The Oberleutnant began by asking me a flood of questions about the boat and the repairwork being undertaken. It was almost an interrogation. Meanwhile the Kaulein, glared about the command room like he could smell something bad. The collar of his jacket was turned up against his cheeks, and his hands were buried deep in his pockets. He occasionally muttered under his breath as he inspected the various dials and pipework. His first name is Kurt, and according to Hoffmann "Kurt" in English means rude and abrupt. Dittermann agreed that the name was appropriate. I get the feeling that he is not impressed by the U-11. Maybe he feels dishonored by being assigned an old coastal boat.

The final member of the command crew, Leutnant Kaeding, our Second Watch Officer, arrived with a crash that afternoon when he fell down the conning tower ladder. No damage apart from a sprained wrist, but Oberleutnant Arendt sent him directly to his bunk to rest. "Rest" in this case meant "Sober up". Arendt was discreet enough, but the smell on his breath was unmistakable. I'd hate to be in Kaeding's place tomorrow when he meets the Kaulein.

Speaking of tomorrow, Arendt has advised that as soon as the workmen have finished we will be leaving Kiel on a five day shakedown cruise. I almost feel like the crew of the U-11 are my responsibility, and I am worried about how they will react to the new command crew. Mann and Waltenburg are poles apart.

As always, I am missing you terribly Liesa. I hope your father is feeling better.

Your in love,

Hans.