Thursday, November 10, 2011

Heavy Seas

We waited a few days already for the storm to settle down, but unabated it kept raging. It caused extensive damage mainly to the barricades. The crew of the Kronprinz Rudolf, which was assigned to guard the barricades, was busy day and night with repairs, as much as that was possible. Torpedo boats and destroyers had also returned to the station because they could not operate in this fierce storm. The light cruisers had to take over their duties. The surf thundered so loudly that you had to shout or make hand signals to make yourself understood. Even mines broke away and exploded. It seemed as if all the elements had been unchained and would destroy everything that might oppose them.

On the following day, the Commander came to the Villa Stein and asked the Torpedo Master if our boat was ready for action. Upon the assurance of the Torpedo Master, the order was given. After the Commander was gone he said, " What a deal! To go out on action in this weather , that could get interesting."

"Maybe better weather was forecast." guessed Dzscmicek.

To that Lehar turned up his nose and rebuked him saying, "You're talking like you joined the service yesterday! Don't you know that the waves remain high for 24 hours after the storm stops? And it does not look like the storm would soon fade away."

Telegraph Master Simon adds, " Alright already! It is the same to me if we drown this way or by a torpedo or mine or whatever." After a short pause, he concludes, "One of these days it will cost us our necks. As long as it goes fast."

"Yes," comments Quartermaster Pernauer, "So many had to perish before us, why not we? Are we anything better? It would be best if this stupid war would end. First everybody prospers, then builds up defenses while fostering friendship with all nations. Then suddenly a few of the upper ten thousand start to argue. Then they claim the fatherland has been attacked and had to be defended. In reality, the whole thing is business. Everything needs to be smashed so that a couple of big-shots can make a lot of money."

"Shut your mouth, you fool! You don't understand it anyway." the Electro-Master advises him. "Or have you forgotten that the Serbs assassinated the successor to the throne in Sarajevo? It seems to me you want to go to jail. If the wrong person heard that, we could all be listening to the second chapter of the service regulations for a month instead of going out. Just request a transfer out of the submarines if you are afraid!"

"Hold on! I didn't mean it that way.," Pernauer replied. Faintheartedness has nothing to do with it. It just bothered me a little. I'll keep quiet already."

"Pernauer was just on furlough," said Machinist Stadler, "and he is still homesick for his Julka."

"Hush recruit." laughs Pernauer. And with that this divergence of opinion came to an end.

The Torpedo Master came back in. He had assured himself in the meantime if the boat was ready for action or if there was anything more to prepare. Then he ordered the disbursement of the provisions. Stefan and I were advised what we could receive that would be useful. Salami, canned butter and milk, sugar, a variety of canned meats and fruits. And the most important part, 20 to 30 lemons to help conserve the drinking water.

The cruisers had come back in. The mine danger was too great and they too could not maneuver in the storm. Friend and enemy were both glad not to go out in this weather.

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