The First Steamer

Our Commander went on furlough. In his place came another "Line-ship-Lieutenant" then we went into action. A "Pretty boy" as Pernauer, who had once before served with him, called him. We had most beautiful spring weather. This time we cruise again along the Italian coast from Bari to Brindisi and back again. We work with the same maneuvers. In the morning we approach the coast in battle mode and in the evening, out to sea to charge the battery. Then we resume the cruising.

It was not so quiet this time. Planes and motorboats developed a lively activity. We had to dive completely and more frequently. We did not mind because it gave us hope that something will come up and we were all anxious for a chance to send something bigger to the bottom of the ocean. We searched around for two days already. We could not surface anymore except far out to sea in total darkness for ventilation and charging the battery. Smoking was allowed only in the tower and there only in your hollow hand.

"Well, something should appear today." said the Commander to the Second, who replied, "I hope so too. And something big since they are trying so hard to protect themselves."

On the next morning we saw smoke coming from Monopoli. "Now it is coming...so, towards us...but what is that? It is a hospital ship!" The Commander mumbles around at the periscope. "Look here Toth!" he calls to the Second, "A hospital ship, two torpedo boats and another steamer. If we shoot this fellow down they will cry that we shot down a support ship. But they won't say that it was accompanied by two torpedo boats."

"They think they are so smart, but it won't help them." replied the Second as he stepped back. One after the other we were now allowed to look through the periscope. It was beautiful the way they were approaching.

At the head, the white hospital ship. Then came the two torpedo boats one behind the other towards the sea and protecting the other steamer which was in the middle. The torpedo boats would move alternately more out to sea and back again. "Both torpedos ready!" orders the Commander as calmly as if this were just an exercise. "Larboard 5...oppose, right away." "Larboard torpedo ready!" it came back from the apparatus. "Torpedo los!" Then, "Go to 20 meters." The Torpedo Master pushes on the release lever as if he wanted to push the torpedo out himself. It leaves the tube with a loud gargle and we count 1,2,3 to 24...a muffled explosion and we all jubilated. Three times Hurrah! Even if they could have heard us we could not have helped ourselves.

Now we rose up again to 10 meters. Then the periscope was run up. "Well, what is that?" the Commander quipped. "The hospital ship running away without caring about the ship-wrecked sailors." The torpedo boats had also disappeared. Only a single rowboat was still there. A couple of men helped the others into the boat and the steamer was gone.

The gramophone had to come out now. First a few marches and the the "Wacht Am Rhein." We played until we got back to our mine field. The Telegraph Master sent a message to Klinci about our return and our accomplishment. He was upset that we disturbed him with out concert.

In Rosa we were received with hurrahs by "Rudolph" and the station. Our former friend and ally from vis-a-vis has been relieved of 3600 tons by our UBXV. That this success, which for many of us was the first substantial one, had to be celebrated with some drinks, I just want to mention in passing.