Writing mood. U-137 hitting the convoy routes.

VonApist · 09-03-12, 04:07 AM

Late 1943, Grid AM 52 , 20m below surface

U-137's Kaleun felt a cold hand grasping his shoulder. He opened his eyes, only to see the U-boats second in command towering over his bunk.

"Sorry to have awaken you sir, but we have a contact report. It seems that a large Allied convoy, currently 130 Km West, is on course to make a pass from our patrol grid. I have plotted, along with Otto, a possible interception course and its quite feasible, assuming that the convoy wont change course or speed"

Stephan stood up, combed his unwashed hair with his fingers and started buttoning his shirt.

"You did well Gerald. I will be in the Zentrale in a minute."

U-137s Kaleun walked towards the stove and helped himself to a fresh mug of coffee. Piping hot liquid at hand, he moved towards the Zentrale, where Gerald and Otto, the boat's navigator, where discussing, pointing at various spots on the map.

"So boys, what is the status here" Stephan enquired moving towards them. Otto stepped back and Gerald took the floor.

"According to the BdU, Helmut's U-88 spotted a large convoy heading East, speed slow, some 130Km to our West " the U-boats second in command pointed at the spot.

"Unfortunately, Helmut's boat broke off the chase as he was detected. He reported that he is unable to shadow the target due to thick escort presence. According to our calculations, the convoy is on course for a pass through our patrol grid in some 13 hours at a distance of 60Km from our current position, heading East".

Stephan approached the map table while checking his wristwatch. 3.40pm. Assuming a surface speed of 7 Knots they could reach their attack spot in less than 5 hours. Darkness would be an extra advantage.

"OK Gerald. Agreed. Our U-IID bucket might not be fast, but we can make it to our position early to avoid radar detection, lie submerged and wait for them. According to the map, the ocean's floor in the vicinity of our attack position should be more than 200m.I think that we should take a shot at it." Stephan exclaimed.

He moved towards the map, taking a pencil out of his breast pocket.

"We surface and try to move here on time. This would give us a distance of some 2Km between us and the convoy lines. I want some breathing space as Helmut reported heavy escort activity. We then turn towards their direction to provide a smaller target and we wait for them submerged to just 15m to avoid early sonar detection. Silent running."

"We only have 3 torpedoes ready to go. And we wont be able to reload the other 2 in stock as I want the boat to remain silent. So, we must choose the fattest targets, aim, fire and make a run for it silently. Agreed?" Stephan enquired, only to see approving nods from Gerald and Otto.

"Ok boys, lets do this. Speed One-Third. Periscope Depth" Stephan ordered and U-137 started making its way towards the surface.

(to be continued)

TwoGamers · 09-03-12, 04:51 AM

Thsi is good I enjoy reading stories I might post one of mine I've written.

Red Heat · 09-03-12, 05:52 AM

Nice report, VonApist...

Mowgli · 09-03-12, 06:13 AM

Really enjoyed that. I hope you continue with the attack and the story.

Could I have some more please Sir, said Oliver

Dowly · 09-03-12, 06:36 AM

Nice!

VonApist · 09-04-12, 03:38 AM

"Periscope depth" the boat's second in command announced, turning at his Kaleun.

"Thank you Gerald. Periscope Up"

Stephan took off his cap, stepped closer and slung both his arms over the scope's handles, gluing his face on the eyepiece. He performed a swift but detailed sweep and satisified he pulled the handles up.

"All clear, boys. 2 meter waves , rain, poor visibility. Periscope down. Speed Full Ahead. Surface the boat."

The U-boat's captain put on his oilskin and turned towards his Wachoffizier.

"Gerald, please assume tower watch with Friedrich, Johan and Hans. Make sure that everybody is secured with lines as its bumpy and I dont want any of the tower crew to be thrown overboard."

"Yes sir" Gerald replied.

"Lange, Neumann, Koch. Dress up. You are joining me for watch duty. Come on men, on the double" The U-boats' second in command barked, as he finished putting on his oilskin and followed his Kaleun, climbing the conning tower's ladder.

***

Stephan emerged from the conning tower's hatch. He grasped the bridge's railing and secured his lifeline. He closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath, filling his lungs with the crisp ocean air.

Despite the rain and the swells, the ocean was relatively silent. All he could hear was the lullaby of the diesel engines and the splashing of the waves as the U-boat cruised at a speed of 7 Knots.

The small boat was clumsily rocking on the surface. Type-IIDs were ment to be coastal U-boats. Nevertheless, and despite the relative low crash depth and limited torpedo ordinance, Stephan felt much more safe aboard one of these buckets while hunting the Atlantic in 1943, than aboard a larger VIIC or the clumsier IXB.

Even though, inevitably, his tonnage as a kaptain could not be compared to that of his fellow Kaleuns serving in the larger U-boats, now in late 1943, survival was the name of the game.

He had long given up the belief that U-Boats could stop the flow of suppllies from the Americas to Britain. Back in 1940 it was a possibility. In 1941 it seemed that things were getting tougher. Now, in late 1943, with the emergence of huge convoys protected by small fleets of escorts, the evolution of radar, improved ASDIC and constant Allied air presence, Stephan had no illusions. U-boats could sting the beast but could not kill it.

Still he would give his best. He was trained to do so.

His thoughts were interrupted by Gerald, who stood next to him scanning the horizon with his binoculars.

"Visibility is less than 1Km kaleun."

"I can see that Gerald. Still its better than yesterday, and on the positive side its highly unlikely we get spotted by Tommie aircraft in this weather. Assuming they dare to fly."

Stephan leaned over the hatch.
"Chief. Speed Ahead Full. Heading 065. Keep it that way"

He then turned towards his 2nd in command.

"Should be some 4.30 hours before we reach our position. Its going to be bumpy. Keep your eyes open Gerald. And also keep an eye on the men up here. ". With this, he climbed down the ladder towards the Zentrale.

(to be continued).

TwoGamers · 09-04-12, 03:50 AM

ooo this is tense

LemonA · 09-04-12, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VonApist

contact report. It seems that a large Allied convoy, currently 130 miles West

Quote:

Originally Posted by VonApist

According to the BdU, Helmut's U-88 spotted a large convoy heading west, speed slow, some 130Km to our West

Miles or km?

Quote:

Originally Posted by VonApist

According to the BdU, Helmut's U-88 spotted a large convoy heading west

Quote:

Originally Posted by VonApist

the convoy is on course for a pass through our patrol grid in some 13 hours at a distance of 60Km from our current position, heading East

Convoy's heading is West or East?

Starting point(?) of the story

VonApist · 09-04-12, 03:37 PM

Good points
130 Km to the West, heading East
Thanks for finding the typo

VonApist · 09-05-12, 03:30 AM

This is it

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

TwoGamers · 09-05-12, 05:44 AM

That makes sense now

Red Heat · 09-05-12, 06:14 AM

Nice work mate...

VonApist · 09-05-12, 08:13 AM

***
Stephan checked his wristwatch. 8.20pm. He moved his big frame towards the map table and waited for Otto to finish his calculations.

He scratched his chin. God it was itchy. He needed a shave. And a shower for that matter.

They were in patrol for the past 10 days. Not long by U-boat standards, but poor hygiene was taking its toll. Especially in terms of body odour, in the confined space of his U-IID boat.

Otto turned his blond head towards his Kaleun.

"We are in position, Sir. And according to my calculations the convoy is currently positioned some 60-65Km to our West. They should reach our vicinity around 02:30 - assuming they have kept their reported heading and speed."

Stephan leaned over the map, took a pencil out of his breast pocket and double-checked his navigators numbers. They were correct. He stood up, flipping the pencil around his fingers.

"OK Otto. Here is the plan. We will assume a search pattern covering a patrol area of 3 Sq Km." Stephan exclaimed, drawing a near perfect square with his pencil around their current position. "We will remain surfaced until midnight. Then submerge and listen to our hydrophones. I dont want to risk radar detection. We will only have one chance at this."

He pressed the intercom button. "Chief, speed ahead slow."

"Speed, Ahead Slow" Albert acknowledged from the engine room.

"What's depth under keel Otto?"

"280m Herr Kaleun"

"Great. Please plot a search pattern. Boat is with you. I am going up"

He was half way up, climbing the conning tower ladder when he saw the agitated face of Gerald above him leaning over the hatch.

"Alaaaaaaaarm" his second in command yelled, with such an intensity that the veins in his red, unshaved neck popped out, seemingly ready to burst.....

(To be continued)

Mowgli · 09-05-12, 08:37 AM

WHAT???

What do you mean "to be continued"?

You cannot do this to us. What are you, some kind of damned sadist?

VonApist · 09-05-12, 08:56 AM

Sorry mate! Wife came back earlier than expected. Have to babysit. Tough to write with a 10m old kid on yout lap. Will continue later

09-03-12, 04:07 AM	#1
VonApist Navy Dude Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Greece Posts: 175 Downloads: 6 Uploads: 0	Writing mood. U-137 hitting the convoy routes. Late 1943, Grid AM 52 , 20m below surface U-137's Kaleun felt a cold hand grasping his shoulder. He opened his eyes, only to see the U-boats second in command towering over his bunk. "Sorry to have awaken you sir, but we have a contact report. It seems that a large Allied convoy, currently 130 Km West, is on course to make a pass from our patrol grid. I have plotted, along with Otto, a possible interception course and its quite feasible, assuming that the convoy wont change course or speed" Stephan stood up, combed his unwashed hair with his fingers and started buttoning his shirt. "You did well Gerald. I will be in the Zentrale in a minute." U-137s Kaleun walked towards the stove and helped himself to a fresh mug of coffee. Piping hot liquid at hand, he moved towards the Zentrale, where Gerald and Otto, the boat's navigator, where discussing, pointing at various spots on the map. "So boys, what is the status here" Stephan enquired moving towards them. Otto stepped back and Gerald took the floor. "According to the BdU, Helmut's U-88 spotted a large convoy heading East, speed slow, some 130Km to our West " the U-boats second in command pointed at the spot. "Unfortunately, Helmut's boat broke off the chase as he was detected. He reported that he is unable to shadow the target due to thick escort presence. According to our calculations, the convoy is on course for a pass through our patrol grid in some 13 hours at a distance of 60Km from our current position, heading East". Stephan approached the map table while checking his wristwatch. 3.40pm. Assuming a surface speed of 7 Knots they could reach their attack spot in less than 5 hours. Darkness would be an extra advantage. "OK Gerald. Agreed. Our U-IID bucket might not be fast, but we can make it to our position early to avoid radar detection, lie submerged and wait for them. According to the map, the ocean's floor in the vicinity of our attack position should be more than 200m.I think that we should take a shot at it." Stephan exclaimed. He moved towards the map, taking a pencil out of his breast pocket. "We surface and try to move here on time. This would give us a distance of some 2Km between us and the convoy lines. I want some breathing space as Helmut reported heavy escort activity. We then turn towards their direction to provide a smaller target and we wait for them submerged to just 15m to avoid early sonar detection. Silent running." "We only have 3 torpedoes ready to go. And we wont be able to reload the other 2 in stock as I want the boat to remain silent. So, we must choose the fattest targets, aim, fire and make a run for it silently. Agreed?" Stephan enquired, only to see approving nods from Gerald and Otto. "Ok boys, lets do this. Speed One-Third. Periscope Depth" Stephan ordered and U-137 started making its way towards the surface. (to be continued) __________________ "Submariners are a special brotherhood, either all come to the surface or no one does. On a submarine, the phrase all for one and one for all is not just a slogan, but reality.” -- VADM Rudolf Golosov Last edited by VonApist; 09-05-12 at 02:01 AM.

09-03-12, 04:51 AM	#2
TwoGamers Officer Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Australia Posts: 240 Downloads: 9 Uploads: 0	This is good Thsi is good I enjoy reading stories I might post one of mine I've written.

09-03-12, 05:52 AM	#3
Red Heat Ace of the Deep Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Portugal Posts: 1,093 Downloads: 267 Uploads: 0	Nice report, VonApist... __________________ "There is three kinds of man: the living, the death, and those who are at Sea." Plato

09-03-12, 06:13 AM	#4
Mowgli Sparks Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: South Wales Posts: 248 Downloads: 158 Uploads: 0	Really enjoyed that. I hope you continue with the attack and the story. Could I have some more please Sir, said Oliver __________________ Now this is the Law of the Jungle -- as old and as true as the sky; And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall break it must die. As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk the Law runneth forward and back -- For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.

09-04-12, 03:38 AM	#6
VonApist Navy Dude Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Greece Posts: 175 Downloads: 6 Uploads: 0	"Periscope depth" the boat's second in command announced, turning at his Kaleun. "Thank you Gerald. Periscope Up" Stephan took off his cap, stepped closer and slung both his arms over the scope's handles, gluing his face on the eyepiece. He performed a swift but detailed sweep and satisified he pulled the handles up. "All clear, boys. 2 meter waves , rain, poor visibility. Periscope down. Speed Full Ahead. Surface the boat." The U-boat's captain put on his oilskin and turned towards his Wachoffizier. "Gerald, please assume tower watch with Friedrich, Johan and Hans. Make sure that everybody is secured with lines as its bumpy and I dont want any of the tower crew to be thrown overboard." "Yes sir" Gerald replied. "Lange, Neumann, Koch. Dress up. You are joining me for watch duty. Come on men, on the double" The U-boats' second in command barked, as he finished putting on his oilskin and followed his Kaleun, climbing the conning tower's ladder. *** Stephan emerged from the conning tower's hatch. He grasped the bridge's railing and secured his lifeline. He closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath, filling his lungs with the crisp ocean air. Despite the rain and the swells, the ocean was relatively silent. All he could hear was the lullaby of the diesel engines and the splashing of the waves as the U-boat cruised at a speed of 7 Knots. The small boat was clumsily rocking on the surface. Type-IIDs were ment to be coastal U-boats. Nevertheless, and despite the relative low crash depth and limited torpedo ordinance, Stephan felt much more safe aboard one of these buckets while hunting the Atlantic in 1943, than aboard a larger VIIC or the clumsier IXB. Even though, inevitably, his tonnage as a kaptain could not be compared to that of his fellow Kaleuns serving in the larger U-boats, now in late 1943, survival was the name of the game. He had long given up the belief that U-Boats could stop the flow of suppllies from the Americas to Britain. Back in 1940 it was a possibility. In 1941 it seemed that things were getting tougher. Now, in late 1943, with the emergence of huge convoys protected by small fleets of escorts, the evolution of radar, improved ASDIC and constant Allied air presence, Stephan had no illusions. U-boats could sting the beast but could not kill it. Still he would give his best. He was trained to do so. His thoughts were interrupted by Gerald, who stood next to him scanning the horizon with his binoculars. "Visibility is less than 1Km kaleun." "I can see that Gerald. Still its better than yesterday, and on the positive side its highly unlikely we get spotted by Tommie aircraft in this weather. Assuming they dare to fly." Stephan leaned over the hatch. "Chief. Speed Ahead Full. Heading 065. Keep it that way" He then turned towards his 2nd in command. "Should be some 4.30 hours before we reach our position. Its going to be bumpy. Keep your eyes open Gerald. And also keep an eye on the men up here. ". With this, he climbed down the ladder towards the Zentrale. (to be continued). __________________ "Submariners are a special brotherhood, either all come to the surface or no one does. On a submarine, the phrase all for one and one for all is not just a slogan, but reality.” -- VADM Rudolf Golosov

09-03-12, 06:36 AM	#5
Dowly Lucky Jack Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Finland Posts: 25,052 Downloads: 32 Uploads: 0	Nice!

09-04-12, 03:50 AM	#7
TwoGamers Officer Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Australia Posts: 240 Downloads: 9 Uploads: 0	ooo this is tense

09-04-12, 03:37 PM	#9
VonApist Navy Dude Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Greece Posts: 175 Downloads: 6 Uploads: 0	Good points 130 Km to the West, heading East Thanks for finding the typo __________________ "Submariners are a special brotherhood, either all come to the surface or no one does. On a submarine, the phrase all for one and one for all is not just a slogan, but reality.” -- VADM Rudolf Golosov

09-05-12, 03:30 AM	#10
VonApist Navy Dude Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Greece Posts: 175 Downloads: 6 Uploads: 0	This is it Uploaded with ImageShack.us __________________ "Submariners are a special brotherhood, either all come to the surface or no one does. On a submarine, the phrase all for one and one for all is not just a slogan, but reality.” -- VADM Rudolf Golosov

09-05-12, 05:44 AM	#11
TwoGamers Officer Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Australia Posts: 240 Downloads: 9 Uploads: 0	That makes sense now

09-05-12, 06:14 AM	#12
Red Heat Ace of the Deep Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Portugal Posts: 1,093 Downloads: 267 Uploads: 0	Nice work mate... __________________ "There is three kinds of man: the living, the death, and those who are at Sea." Plato

09-05-12, 08:13 AM	#13
VonApist Navy Dude Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Greece Posts: 175 Downloads: 6 Uploads: 0	*** Stephan checked his wristwatch. 8.20pm. He moved his big frame towards the map table and waited for Otto to finish his calculations. He scratched his chin. God it was itchy. He needed a shave. And a shower for that matter. They were in patrol for the past 10 days. Not long by U-boat standards, but poor hygiene was taking its toll. Especially in terms of body odour, in the confined space of his U-IID boat. Otto turned his blond head towards his Kaleun. "We are in position, Sir. And according to my calculations the convoy is currently positioned some 60-65Km to our West. They should reach our vicinity around 02:30 - assuming they have kept their reported heading and speed." Stephan leaned over the map, took a pencil out of his breast pocket and double-checked his navigators numbers. They were correct. He stood up, flipping the pencil around his fingers. "OK Otto. Here is the plan. We will assume a search pattern covering a patrol area of 3 Sq Km." Stephan exclaimed, drawing a near perfect square with his pencil around their current position. "We will remain surfaced until midnight. Then submerge and listen to our hydrophones. I dont want to risk radar detection. We will only have one chance at this." He pressed the intercom button. "Chief, speed ahead slow." "Speed, Ahead Slow" Albert acknowledged from the engine room. "What's depth under keel Otto?" "280m Herr Kaleun" "Great. Please plot a search pattern. Boat is with you. I am going up" He was half way up, climbing the conning tower ladder when he saw the agitated face of Gerald above him leaning over the hatch. "Alaaaaaaaarm" his second in command yelled, with such an intensity that the veins in his red, unshaved neck popped out, seemingly ready to burst..... (To be continued) __________________ "Submariners are a special brotherhood, either all come to the surface or no one does. On a submarine, the phrase all for one and one for all is not just a slogan, but reality.” -- VADM Rudolf Golosov

09-05-12, 08:37 AM	#14
Mowgli Sparks Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: South Wales Posts: 248 Downloads: 158 Uploads: 0	WHAT??? What do you mean "to be continued"? You cannot do this to us. What are you, some kind of damned sadist? __________________ Now this is the Law of the Jungle -- as old and as true as the sky; And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall break it must die. As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk the Law runneth forward and back -- For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.

09-05-12, 08:56 AM	#15
VonApist Navy Dude Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Greece Posts: 175 Downloads: 6 Uploads: 0	Sorry mate! Wife came back earlier than expected. Have to babysit. Tough to write with a 10m old kid on yout lap. Will continue later __________________ "Submariners are a special brotherhood, either all come to the surface or no one does. On a submarine, the phrase all for one and one for all is not just a slogan, but reality.” -- VADM Rudolf Golosov