Was I sunk by a mine??

Jard · 03-02-07, 08:44 AM

Hello Kapleuns
I was heading back to Wilhelmshaven last night, first GWX patrol, 1939. I'd had a quiet time and was cruising south about 50-100km off the east coast of Scotland. Seas very rough so I was ticking along at periscope depth hoping I might pick up a last merchant or two on the way home. Picked up some warship noises, but nothing nearby, so increased TC as I wanted to get back to port before I went to bed.

Suddenly I got a load of damage and flooding reports from nowhere. I organised a damage control team but didn't manage to hold back the flooding and sank with all hands lost.

What I'd like to understand though is what sank me? I can only assume it was a mine as I was so far away from any enemy ships, but is it likely that there would be mines floating round that far from a port? Is there anything that we can do to avoid hitting mines or was it just bad luck?

Danke!

03-02-07, 08:44 AM	#1
Jard Watch Join Date: May 2006 Location: England Posts: 15 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Was I sunk by a mine?? Hello Kapleuns I was heading back to Wilhelmshaven last night, first GWX patrol, 1939. I'd had a quiet time and was cruising south about 50-100km off the east coast of Scotland. Seas very rough so I was ticking along at periscope depth hoping I might pick up a last merchant or two on the way home. Picked up some warship noises, but nothing nearby, so increased TC as I wanted to get back to port before I went to bed. Suddenly I got a load of damage and flooding reports from nowhere. I organised a damage control team but didn't manage to hold back the flooding and sank with all hands lost. What I'd like to understand though is what sank me? I can only assume it was a mine as I was so far away from any enemy ships, but is it likely that there would be mines floating round that far from a port? Is there anything that we can do to avoid hitting mines or was it just bad luck? Danke!