Operation: Jagd auf die Jäger (warning:many images)

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This was originally posted in another forum, but I'll put it up here, mostly for the wealth and fame I got the idea one day to attempt a career where I would only attack warships. And here's what happened. (Career played at 88%, externals off, manual targeting, only map contact update enabled)

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August 25th, 1939, Kiel, Germany

There is a knock at the bedroom door, shaking me out of my sleep.

"Herr Leutnant, Admiral Raeder wants to see you at once in his office"

I stumble to get dressed and follow the messenger to the Admiral's office, where he is seated behind his desk. He looks up and returns my salute.

"Hofmann", he says to me, "with the state of affairs as they are, war appears inevitable, wouldn't you agree?"

I did not answer.

"I've come from a meeting with the Fuhrer", he continued, not waiting for a reply, "and the subject of our discussion is the reason I've called you here."

"Jawohl, Herr Admiral"

"Our discussion was focused on the proper utilization of the ubootwaffe in the coming war. After much persuasion, we were succesful in convincing him of the necessity for our submarines to focus on the enemy's merchant fleet. That by depriving him of the means to wage war and to subsist, we will score a decisive strategic victory. To attempt to engage the enemy fleet, while perhaps achieving great tactical successes, would no doubt be less preferrable in the balance."

"However, the Fuhrer was not entirely accepting of our proposals, and has made one demand. He has insisted, and we have relented, that six boats, under command of our most capable officers, will be tasked with engagement of enemy warships as their sole duty. 'It is not possible', the Fuhrer told me, 'that we can permit the enemy fleet to go unchallenged'.

"I am not convinced," the Admiral continued, "that this is the best use of our proud boats and crews, but be that as it may, here are your orders. Any questions?"

"No sir."

The Admiral extended his hand and I took it with my right, the orders with my left. With a smart salute I made leave of those uncomfortable surroundings, and returned to my room where I opened the envelope containing the orders, which read:

"When in all respects ready for sea on or about September 2, 1939, U-49 will depart Kiel to conduct unrestricted warfare against enemy warships. Tactical considerations are left to the discretion of the Commanding Officer."

My mind was racing, who are the enemy? We are not at war. What is to happen? Surely the Admiral knows, and the tone of our conversation left little doubt in my mind that these questions would soon be answered.

On the morning of September 2nd, with crew aboard and U-49 ready, we left Kiel for our first patrol.

As the familiar port that has been our home for the past 4 months faded into the distance, I was uncertain of what lay ahead, but determined that U-49 would do her duty.