Wilhelmshaven Evening Gazzette

[STEED]

Originally Posted by jimbuna

If I see those fecking penguins one more time I swear I will open up a hunting season.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by STEED

If I see those fecking penguins one more time I swear I will open up a hunting season.

[Hakahura]

Message
To: U30
From: U64

Congratulations to Lt. Hoffman and the brave crew of U30.
Good luck on your next patrol.

Kurt Linke

[U49]

Von: U-49
An: U-30

Gute Jagd!

Well done, go for it ....


@jimbuna: I like those penguins, they are cute
Please keep an eye on them... there are wolves out there :rotfl:

[Brag]

Originally Posted by jimbuna

J.S. Balz writes:

Those are lovely penguins dancing the hoochie woochie

[Nerazzurri]

8th November 1939

Messages of goodwill for U-30 and her crew from Brag, U-64 and U-49 have been forwarded to the relevant war department in Berlin, and the Gazzette has been assured that they will be communicated to the boat at the next opportunity.

[Jimbuna]

@Brag

Careful, don't draw too much attention to them....I hear STEED is a good shot with his blunderbuss

[Nerazzurri]

15th November 1939

Today U-30 returned to it's home port, here in the city. Family and friends were present to welcome home their loved ones from another patrol. There was even some local support from people who have taken this boat and her crew to heart. Also in the air was not a little anxiety, over the recent 'neutral ship' affair.

When the crew, led by recently promoted Oberleutnant Hoffmann, alighted the boat, they looked a weary bunch; happy nonetheless to be home. It has to be said U-30 herself looked in better shape than the last time she berthed - maybe Oberleutnant is growing longer in the tooth?

I approached the Oberleutnant, as he walked towards me eating an apple handed to him by a wellwisher, and queeried him regarding the 'neutrality issue'. He calmly said "We have not harmed any ship that was not carrying materials which could be used against the Fatherland in the course of the war!"

On the question of the crewman, Bernard, he was less forthcoming. When asked if indeed this sailor was on his crew, he choked on his apple, befor spitting out the words "NO COMMENT". With that, Oberleutnant Hoffmann left the quayside to embark on some well earned shore leave.

Well earned indeed - U-30 accounted for 10 merchant ships on her tour of duty, totalling 37,548 tons. Truly a remarkable feat, because the boat carries only 14 torpedoes. It appears the brave crew are becoming more accomplished with every mission.

We can only hope this trend continues from the Oberleutnant and his men. It is indeed hard to believe they were posted here as recently as September, straight from the Naval Academy. We wish them well.


**STOP PRESS** - 'Neutral' ships were British registered. Hitler demands apology from Churchill. Hoffmann vindicated.

Oberleutnant Hoffmann accumulated tonnage/patrols 66,366/2

[Nerazzurri]

15th December 1939

On this cold and wintry morning, U-30 again returned home after a successful patrol. This time she looked battered, and the crew weathered and tired.

With the ridiculous, trumped up charges of sinking neutral ships behind him, Oberleutnant Hoffmann led his men to sink eight ships, totalling a remarkable 42, 669 tons. I'm sure soldiers and civilians alike will appreciate the commitment made to the war effort by the crew of this boat.

Herr Hoffmann bemoaned the bad weather experienced during the whole of his mission, but was nevertheless overjoyed at the successful outcome. He also took time to praise his hard working crew, and said that with a surplus of badges to award even Bernard got one. Remarkable! What a turnaround in fortunes for the young local lad. I'm sure his community will be proud of him.

The Gazzette, as ever, will keep you updated on the exploits of U-30.