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Post by keyboy on Dec 21, 2016 2:02:15 GMT
"Hello KptLt, hope you are settling in well. I put in your request and have received the following reply." Type VIID is a limited available boat (and requires a roll)
Unfortunately A type VIID is not available. However a type VIIC will be available for January."Let me know what you would like to do."
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Post by silentwolf on Dec 21, 2016 4:57:33 GMT
Unfortunately A type VIID is not available. However a type VIIC will be available for January."Let me know what you would like to do." KptLt Otto Neumann pauses for a moment and then replies: "I understand Herr Kommodore, and will proudly command any U-Boat in the Kriegsmarine to the best of my ability but I must confess that I am disappointed. I was ordered to La Rochelle from Germany after particapting in an extensive mine laying training program and was expecting command of one of the new mine layers. I will glady command a Type VIIC but I respectfully ask of you to reconsider, Herr Kommodore."
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Post by keyboy on Dec 21, 2016 11:58:12 GMT
"Kpt Lt, whilst I appreciate you fresh faced youg graduates of the academy bring your enthusiasm to our little band of weary travellers, it doesn't actually mean that you know exactly what is going on at the sharpe end of the war"
"Firstly, I cannot be seen to be influenced by newcomers who 'eine Extrawurst verlangen'. I have a very experienced and skilled set of crews at this base, who all deserve that little bit extra if I had it to give and for whom I would 'Himmel und Hölle in Bewegung setzen'."
"Secondly, this unit was taken off of minelaying duties over a year ago and from what I hear, it is highly unlikely that they will be resumed and to coin an english phrase picked up from a captured British Officer, ' it will be of as much use as a chocolate teapot'."
"Thirdly, since July they have been building one VIID per month and so four are already in service (U-213 to U-216). The U-217 and U-218 will be commissioned in January with 5th flotilla and 9th flotilla respectively."
"and finally............I haven't heard that they are building any more and that orders have been made for the VIIC/41 submarine which have no facilities for mines at all."
"So unfortunately Kpt Lt, its a no."
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Post by silentwolf on Dec 21, 2016 14:41:58 GMT
"So unfortunately Kpt Lt, its a no." "A Type VIIC it shall be, Herr Kommodore."
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Post by silentwolf on Dec 29, 2016 2:31:57 GMT
FKpt Wolfgang Ackerman enters the office
"Herr Kommodore, Schildkröte will be ready soon. I am requesting North America (A) for my next assignment. Thank you for your consideration."
"I'll see what I can do."
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Post by keyboy on Jan 2, 2017 15:54:37 GMT
April 2nd 1942
Requests to the Kommandant of Flotilla 15 If my achievements and awards count for something and with the permission of the Befehlshaber der Unterseeboote, I ask for the following. With ten patrols to my credit, 395,000 tons of enemy shipping sunk by this boat and pending the award of the highest degree of the Ritterkreuz to a servant of the Reich, I wish to carry out my future patrols for the Unterseebootwaffe from the dry land of La Rochelle. I wish to be either behind a desk or serve in a training capacity where I can pass on my knowledge and experience to the next generation. It is time to let some younger hunters try and beat that target. My second request is that the U-38, which is a Type IXA boat and now surpassed by the newer models, is re-designated as a training ship. My third request, is that my entire crew are allocated to one of the newest class of Type IX U-Boat. This means that my 1WO and 2WO are promoted to the next highest rank and position in the crew. Therefore, KptLt Walter Rieflin becomes kommandant of this new boat, ObLt-z-S Dieter Krafft becomes his 1WO, a new 2WO is appointed and all other officers and crew are retained.
Report submitted by
FKpt Karl Schneider RK+(G)E+S(+B) Kommandant: U-38 - Parzival
"Karl, you have been an outstanding kommandant under my command and have served your country with great heroism and humility and I noticed you still haven't got used to your title of Fregattenkapitän, which happened a few months ago."
" I submitted the paperwork for U-38 and have just had written confirmation that after refit, it will be travelling to Kiel, where it will be used for training with the 16th Flotilla."
"Apparently there is no Gold KCOS&D award (only one award presented in 1945 and that was it) and whilst I reported that your achievements are way above the standard KCOS&D medal, there is no higher award. However, I had to submit a further report regarding your record and full achievements and I am happy to tell you that you and your boat may well not be parted, as you have been offered the position of commanding the 16th Flotilla in Kiel. You would take up the post at the end of April. I was considering applying for the position myself, but with your patrol experience, new kommandants would benefit from your knowledge."
"I would consider Walter Rieflin taking command of an IXC and the crew of the U-38 to transfer over to the new boat, but he will have to do the paperwork." (put details in recruitment thread if you want to play it)
"Congratulations Karl, well deserved and I wish you all the best with the 16th Flotilla. I believe the Kiel Theater was bombed recently, but for entertainment of an evening, you can't beat the old theatre in Holtenauer Strasse, remember that Karl."
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Post by andy254 on Jan 3, 2017 6:39:33 GMT
FKpt Karl Schneider was for once lost for words. Firstly, he was taken aback that he had been promoted and not realised it. He would definitely be checking his mail more often in future. Secondly, he was taken aback that his superior had such kind words to say and thirdly, he was taken aback that he had been given command of his own flotilla. He would be disappointed to be leaving La Rochelle, but he'd vowed to serve the Reich where he was most needed. "Thankyou, Herr Kommodore. I had expected a quiet desk job but it will be a great honour to command a flotilla. I have a hard act to follow with the example you have set with the 15th but I will follow it and thereby maintain the pride of the Unterseebootwaffe but from Kiel instead of La Rochelle. It is a shame about the Opernhaus in Kiel. The RAF must not care for Wagner. However, I will take up your recommendation and visit Holtenauer Strasse," he nervously blurted when words finally returned. "And would you like to let KapitänLeutnant Rieflin know about his new command?" asked the Kommodore. "I will be glad to do that. I am sure that he will be an asset to the 15th Flotilla. You will be hearing from him shortly. I could even see Krafft wanting his own command before long," added Karl. "Once again, thankyou, Herr Kommodore", replied Karl.
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Post by crushedhat on Jan 24, 2017 3:44:11 GMT
20 September 1942
FKpt Viktor Radel comes to attention and salutes. The man sitting at the desk before him notes that, unlike in the past, Radel does not employ the Nazi Party salute but rather the more traditional military salute.
Once Viktor sees he has his superior's eye he begins, "With the loss of LtzS Leon Schmidt, U-86 will be needing a new 1WO. ObfzS Peer Jolitz has served capably on all 15 war patrols and I request his promotion to Luetnant zur See and elevation to 1WO. ObfzS Jolitz is a known and trusted quantity and I believe this will better serve the interests of both U-86's people and the Reich than will bringing in someone new as No 1. Of course, I will need a new 2WO, as well as a new Doctor."
Not giving the Kapitan a chance to refuse his request, Viktor quickly adds, "I also request a patrol along the Spanish Coast, or anywhere other than North America. It makes little sense to send a Type VII on such a patrol." By this time Viktor is leaning forward. He quickly comes back to attention.
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Post by keyboy on Mar 24, 2017 9:40:08 GMT
15th May 1943 9:00am
FKpt Wolfgang Ackerman and FKpt Volkhard Schreiber are sitting in the office of the acting Kommodore, with one of them wondering what this would be about.
Klaus Edel begins, "Gentleman, you probably do not know why I have asked you here today" and before he could continue, Schreiber interjects, "I do and it's my fault." "No Volkhard, it is not your fault or the fault of any of the personnel in this flotilla"
"You two along with FKpt Horst Beckmann have been with the 15th since the beginning or very near the beginning and you and your crews are all heroes in my eyes and that is why you three are all going home."
"Now before you protest and try to think of a thousand and one reasons why you cannot go home and need to stay, stop! this is going to happen and you will all go back home as heroes, that is my final decision."
"As you can see and I hope you don't mind me saying this, Volkhard has nearly reached the end." "No Kommodore, I have reached the end." "This coming from the man that has lead his crew to sink nearly half a million tons of enemy shipping."
"Horst Beckmann and yourself Wolfgang have been outstanding leaders, but since September 1942, the Das Gespenst has sunk just three small freighters in what is nearly three quarters of the year after such gallant patrols in the past. The Schildkröte has sunk just two freighters in the same time period and I remember a time when you would regularly arrive back from patrol with at least three pennants."
"You three heroes are tired, you have given your all and you have done your bit, now is the time to go home before it is too late."
Kapitän zur See Klaus Edel explains what will happen over the next few months:
May 1943 - Das Gespenst to return from patrol and FKpt Volkhard Schreiber to undergo medical treatment and psychological assessment during May and June June 1943 - All repairs completed on all three U-boats (U-41 Das Gespenst, U-83 Schildkröte and U-74 Stachelrochen) June 1943 - Promotion Board held and all three FKpt's up for promotion (FKpt Horst Beckmann, FKpt Wolfgang Ackerman, FKpt Volkhard Schreiber June 1943 - FKpt's choose their next path. July 1943 - U-41 Das Gespenst, U-83 Schildkröte and U-74 Stachelrochen leave on their last patrol as a wolfpack in the Atlantic. August 1943 - Resupply of fuel, food and some torpedoes and ammo (use Hunters rules) all three U-boats remain on patrol. September 1943 - All three U-boats return to base and FKpt's return as heroes and leave the 15th flotilla with their heads held high.
During final patrol, these three U-boats will receive a coded message during July /August not to return to La Rochelle, but finish their patrol by reaching the pens in Bergen, Norway.
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Post by keyboy on Mar 27, 2017 1:49:49 GMT
31st May 1943 3:40pm
There is a knock on the office door and acting Kommodore Klaus Edel instructs the visitor to enter. In walks a short shifty looking character in a Kriegsmarine uniform: that of a U-boat Kapitän. He walks towards the Kommodore’s desk and stops and gives a half hearted salute and announces himself; “KptLt Hans Schicklgruber, transferred from the 29th flotilla, reporting for duty.” Klaus Edel has his elbows resting on the desk and his chin resting on the knuckles of his clasped hands. He takes a long look at the individual in front of him and an air of awkwardness is introduced, as the look almost becomes a stare.
“Is that how you normally address a superior officer Schicklgruber, a pathetic salute and no Sir when you are addressing me”?
“No Sir, my mistake.”
“It may well be Schicklgruber, it may well be a mistake coming here.”
“Sir?”
“The commanding officer of the 29th flotilla suggested this transfer, didn’t he Schicklgruber?”
“Yes Sir.”
“I believe that commanding officer is Kapitän zur See Fritz Frauenheim and how did you get on with him?”
The KptLt cracks a sly smile and replies “We did not see eye to eye and I believe he had it in for me Sir.”
“Had it in for you did he? I find that very strange as Fritz and I go back to before this war started and he was always considered the reasonable one. Also the fact that your file has over sixty complaints, reports, minor charges and investigations into your activities, probably has something to do with that trust. It looks like you need a drink KptLt, go pour yourself one and I shall continue.”
Hans walks over to the well stocked drinks cabinet, chooses a clean crystal glass tumbler and fills it to half way with a single malt and returns to standing in front of the Kommodore.
“Interesting…….anyway, where was I, oh yes, talking about your difficulties; thieving, smuggling, gambling debts, the purchasing and selling of black market goods, drunken behaviour and the list goes on. To be quite honest, I can see why Fritz wanted you out of his port and I also realise why he suggested a transfer to the 15th flotilla.”
“Sir?”
“Put simply, you are a criminal and to be honest, in the eyes of the Kriegsmarine, you are of no use to man nor beast. I have three Fkpt’s returning home as heroes shortly, so let me make it very clear to you, I am giving you a choice, you either leave this flotilla as a hero or you will be buried at sea and I can assure you that there is no third way.”
“Yes Sir.”
“I am a big believer in the punishment fitting the crime and as you are a thief, smuggler and purveyor of stolen and black market goods, I have just the job for you KptLt. You will command a type XB U-boat and will go out on patrol for two months at a time and re-supply any and all u-boats out on real patrols. Your first patrol starts, er……………………………let us say tomorrow.” At which the Kommodore gives Hans a sly smile.
“I will check with those Kapitäns that get re-supplied and have your manifests checked at departure and arrival to ensure that you are not just dumping supplies at sea. Yes you are right, I am one step ahead of you and one of my dock supervisors; Lothar Cluever will oversee what you get up too, as you will have to get up very early in the morning to get one over me.”
“Sir.”
“Now get the hell out of my office and you can leave the tumbler on my desk, don’t want those disappearing do we, or all of my best scotch for that matter”
With that said both men stare at one another, realising that this relationship will be a real challenge for both parties and very much that the game is on. Hans salutes turns on his heels and leaves the office. As he leaves the building, he stops at the steps and takes out a cigarette to light. He notices a young sailor and asks him for a light. As he takes the lighter, he offers the young man a cigarette and lights it for him,. Hans introduces himself as KptLt Schicklgruber and the young lad tells the KptLT he is called Gelber; “Everybody just calls me Gelber.” Hans talks about journey to La Rochelle for a couple of minutes and then stops.
“Well Gelber, pleased to meet you, now where would I find Lothar Cluever at this time of day?”
“Oh, do you know him Sir, he is usually down by the dry dock at this time, and so are you a friend”?
“No, but I soon hope to be, thanks Gelber.”
Hans walks away from Gelber; towards the dry dock, and pockets Gelber’s lighter as he slowly makes his way along the path, quietly laughing to himself.
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Post by grendel on Jun 8, 2017 2:58:55 GMT
KptLt Geist is ushered into Edel's office by the Fregattenkapitan's aide and stands stiffly before the acting commander's desk. The young U-boat commander, barely twenty-three, is nervous and apprehensive, like a student being called before his schoolmaster.
"Guten morgen, Herr Fregattenkapitän! I wish to report that repairs and refitting to U-842 are proceeding according to schedule. Due to our successes in the Irish Sea on our last patrol, I would respectfully request the British Isles for our next patrol assignment."
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Post by keyboy on Jun 8, 2017 8:48:14 GMT
KptLt Geist is ushered into Edel's office by the Fregattenkapitan's aide and stands stiffly before the acting commander's desk. The young U-boat commander, barely twenty-three, is nervous and apprehensive, like a student being called before his schoolmaster. "Guten morgen, Herr Fregattenkapitän! I wish to report that repairs and refitting to U-842 are proceeding according to schedule. Due to our successes in the Irish Sea on our last patrol, I would respectfully request the British Isles for our next patrol assignment." The Kommodore laughs, as the nervous young KptLt makes his request.
"Apololgies for laughing Reinhard, is it Reinhard? It has been a long time since I was a Fregattenkapitan and the whole job was so much simpler back then." " Don't be nervous son, you have represented the 15th Flotilla with honour and grit, unlike some I could mention, but I had better not."
The Kommodore walks over to one of the locked cabinets, puts a key into the lock and turns. He then opens the cabinet doors and spins the safe dial both left and then right, before he draws out a single red folder. KZS Edel walks back to his seat, sits down and opens the red folder. "Well, KptLt Geist, let us see where the powers that be want to send you on your next patrol"
The Kommodore shakes his head ever so slightly and can be seen to roll his eyes. "Unfortunately, I have to refuse your request Reinhard, as this comes from the very top. I cannot go into details now, but all will become clear very shortly, I can assure you of that KptLt"
"Go pour yourself a drink and take a seat by the fire and let us have a chat about the future. While you are there, can you pour me another scotch too."The old sea dogs talk late into the night, until there is a slight lull in the conversation and the next noise that the KptLt hears, is that of a slight snore coming from the Kommodore's armchair.
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Post by grendel on Jun 8, 2017 19:43:07 GMT
KptLt Geist is ushered into Edel's office by the Fregattenkapitan's aide and stands stiffly before the acting commander's desk. The young U-boat commander, barely twenty-three, is nervous and apprehensive, like a student being called before his schoolmaster. "Guten morgen, Herr Fregattenkapitän! I wish to report that repairs and refitting to U-842 are proceeding according to schedule. Due to our successes in the Irish Sea on our last patrol, I would respectfully request the British Isles for our next patrol assignment." The Kommodore laughs, as the nervous young KptLt makes his request.
"Apololgies for laughing Reinhard, is it Reinhard? It has been a long time since I was a Fregattenkapitan and the whole job was so much simpler back then." " Don't be nervous son, you have represented the 15th Flotilla with honour and grit, unlike some I could mention, but I had better not."
The Kommodore walks over to one of the locked cabinets, puts a key into the lock and turns. He then opens the cabinet doors and spins the safe dial both left and then right, before he draws out a single red folder. KZS Edel walks back to his seat, sits down and opens the red folder. "Well, KptLt Geist, let us see where the powers that be want to send you on your next patrol"
The Kommodore shakes his head ever so slightly and can be seen to roll his eyes. "Unfortunately, I have to refuse your request Reinhard, as this comes from the very top. I cannot go into details now, but all will become clear very shortly, I can assure you of that KptLt"
"Go pour yourself a drink and take a seat by the fire and let us have a chat about the future. While you are there, can you pour me another scotch too."The old sea dogs talk late into the night, until there is a slight lull in the conversation and the next noise that the KptLt hears, is that of a slight snore coming from the Kommodore's armchair. KptLt Geist reddens slightly at Edel's good-natured laugh, but the XO's manner quickly puts the young submariner at ease. He accepts the denial of his request with a curt nod. "Understood, sir. I can assure you that I and my crew will accept whatever patrol assignment we are given and do our utmost for the Fatherland." The offer of a drink - with Edel no less! - catches Geist completely off-guard. Somewhat awkwardly, he hurries to the sideboard and pours two modest drinks. After handing one to Edel, he sits stiffly at the edge of his chair and listens intently as Edel regales him with stories of his early days in the Kriegesmarine. As time passes and the whiskey takes hold, Geist begins to relax, and haltingly tries to hold up his end of the conversation. He shares the stories he learned from his father, who had served aboard the Lützow at Jutland, and eventually touches a bit on his own experiences at sea. After a while it's Geist doing most of the talking, and it's some time before he realizes that Edel has drifted off to sleep. Grinning ruefully, he finishes his drink and leaves the office as quietly as he is able.
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