R.I.P. Rolf Zaptz

kbak303 · 04-09-09, 05:40 PM

From the log of U-52
OBERLEUTNANT Karl von Heinz

Patrol 7, Day 18
21.6.40.0555Grid AE 98Ship sunk! HMS Pretoria Castle (Auxiliary Cruiser), 13850 tons. Crew: 104. Crew lost: 80

Engaged pair of auxiliary cruisers heading northwest from the Normandy area of Scapa Flow. 6800 yards out, moderate wind, unlimited visibility. Immediate course was parallel the enemy, at flank speed. At 14 knots began to pull ahead of the big ships, hoping to turn into the enemy and present a bow profile.

Deck gun ordered manned, with targeting on lead ships weapons. Round beginning to bracket, closing at 5100 yards. Lead cruiser begins a zigzag, speed of 8 knots. Trailing cruiser zigzag as well however speed at 4 knots. Manual targeting of tubes 1-4 (3 steam, one electric). Rounds falling close.

Begin alternating speed from flank to standard, however not alternating course due to the solution of junior weapons officer (myself).

We take a round between the deck gun and the conning tower. Deck crew is unhurt, however Rolf Zaptz, new watch officer on his first patrol, is hit by shrapnel. I have the deck gun rigged for diving, and my injured officer removed from the bridge. Order to dive given. Once leveling at 13 meters, I recompute the solution and launch all tubes, 20 seconds apart. Range is 3700 yards angle to second ship is 87 degrees, target speed 4 knots. Once tubes are clear, I have the ship dive to 30 meters and head perpindicular to our original course at flank.

Agonizing minutes later one impact is heard. Order all tubes reloaded, and shadow the cruisers. Periscope depth ordered and 2nd cruiser is low in the bow, with fire and smoke amidships. First cruiser is seemingly unconcerned with her sister, and steaming north at 8 knots. 2nd cruiser sinks presumably by flooding after approxomite shadowing for 39 minutes.

Lt. Zaptz had died despite the best efforts of my two medics. He will be recommended for the Iron Cross upon return to base. Deck crew did suffer minor shrapnel injuries and will be put in for Wound award.

Will surface within the hour and start repairs on conning tower.

At least my guilt over losing a crewman was tempered by sending one of the British cruisers to it's depth.

04-09-09, 05:40 PM	#1
kbak303 Seaman Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 41 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	R.I.P. Rolf Zaptz From the log of U-52 OBERLEUTNANT Karl von Heinz Patrol 7, Day 18 21.6.40.0555Grid AE 98Ship sunk! HMS Pretoria Castle (Auxiliary Cruiser), 13850 tons. Crew: 104. Crew lost: 80 Engaged pair of auxiliary cruisers heading northwest from the Normandy area of Scapa Flow. 6800 yards out, moderate wind, unlimited visibility. Immediate course was parallel the enemy, at flank speed. At 14 knots began to pull ahead of the big ships, hoping to turn into the enemy and present a bow profile. Deck gun ordered manned, with targeting on lead ships weapons. Round beginning to bracket, closing at 5100 yards. Lead cruiser begins a zigzag, speed of 8 knots. Trailing cruiser zigzag as well however speed at 4 knots. Manual targeting of tubes 1-4 (3 steam, one electric). Rounds falling close. Begin alternating speed from flank to standard, however not alternating course due to the solution of junior weapons officer (myself). We take a round between the deck gun and the conning tower. Deck crew is unhurt, however Rolf Zaptz, new watch officer on his first patrol, is hit by shrapnel. I have the deck gun rigged for diving, and my injured officer removed from the bridge. Order to dive given. Once leveling at 13 meters, I recompute the solution and launch all tubes, 20 seconds apart. Range is 3700 yards angle to second ship is 87 degrees, target speed 4 knots. Once tubes are clear, I have the ship dive to 30 meters and head perpindicular to our original course at flank. Agonizing minutes later one impact is heard. Order all tubes reloaded, and shadow the cruisers. Periscope depth ordered and 2nd cruiser is low in the bow, with fire and smoke amidships. First cruiser is seemingly unconcerned with her sister, and steaming north at 8 knots. 2nd cruiser sinks presumably by flooding after approxomite shadowing for 39 minutes. Lt. Zaptz had died despite the best efforts of my two medics. He will be recommended for the Iron Cross upon return to base. Deck crew did suffer minor shrapnel injuries and will be put in for Wound award. Will surface within the hour and start repairs on conning tower. At least my guilt over losing a crewman was tempered by sending one of the British cruisers to it's depth.