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Post by blaird on Oct 26, 2015 0:58:32 GMT
KKpt Erhardt Schmitzer U-53
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Post by crushedhat on Nov 14, 2015 22:09:11 GMT
30 May 1940
Kptlt Erhardt Schmitzer sits at his desk, atop rest ledgers and reports to be reconciled based upon U-53’s latest combat patrol. The official paperwork, however, has been set off to one side. The center of the desktop is occupied by several stacks of letters, arranged by author.
In one stack the letters are written in a wild scrawl on perfumed paper. These are from Erhardt’s fiancé, Valda Maus, whom he sent to live with his parents to keep her free of SS Huaptstrumfuhrer Karl Schmidt and Manfred Goertner of the Gestapo, Valda being ‘an undesirable.’ Valda’s letters are expressions of longing and desire intermixed with lament about the lack of night life and boring provincialism of Liepburg, a small town in Bavaria. Though not directly mentioned, between the lines Erhardt picks up on Valda’s sense of isolation and friction with his family and neighbors. As the dates on the letters grow more recent, the tone of desperation becomes more pronounced.
Erhardt’s mother is far less circumspect in her assessment of his intended bride. In an orderly hand, Frau Schmitzer lays out all of Valda’s faults, real and imagined. At the head of the list are her smoking, her language, her failure to dress appropriately, her sleeping in late, and of course for Erhardt’s staunchly Catholic mother, Valda’s religion or lack thereof. Frau Schmitzer goes on to point out that there are still several young woman from ‘suitable families’ available in Leipburg and, in a surprising statement coming from her, that Erhardt should, ‘stop thinking with his little head.’
There is a lone letter from Erhardt’s father. The elder Schmitzer explains that he can certainly see why Erhardt is attracted to Valda, actually extolling several of her perceived vices. But in the end, Herr Schmitzer sides with his wife, suggesting Erhardt rethink his choice.
Heidi, Erhardt’s sister and just entering her teens, seems the most favorably disposed toward Valda. It appears that Valda has become something of an older sister figure and feeds Heidi’s adolescent rebelliousness; a fact that Erhardt’s mother was not remiss in pointing out. Even so, Heidi does not fail to point out that Erhardt’s decision is ‘causing mother and father much angst.’
Erhadt’s chin rests in his hands as he ponders the situation. Part of him had hoped that it bringing an end to his playboy ways, his family would be happy he was marrying. But apparently Valda is too far removed from what they had in mind. Was he too rash in asking Valda to marry him? Was it simply a noble gesture to save her from a perceived threat? Coming to a conclusion, Erhardt stands. Perhaps he is letting ‘the little head’ decide as his mother would complain; but at least it was a decision. Grabbing his hat, Erhardt heads out the door and to the Kommandant’s to ask for two week’s leave.
continued in Commodore's Office
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Post by Donitz on Dec 12, 2015 20:37:08 GMT
29th October Mid Afternoon
Kapitan Joachim Ballert enters the office of fellow Kapitan Erhardt Schmitzer. Joachim thinks Erhardt looks tired but doesn’t know if that is the successful patrol he has just returned from or the first night home with his wife Valda.
“Good afternoon Erhardt” Joachim says “I’m pleased to see you back and a successful patrol as well”
“Hello Joachim, I trust things went smoothly whilst I was away” Erhardt asks
“Well that’s what I wanted to talk to you about” Joachim responds.
Over the next hour Joachim tells Erhardt about the things that have happened whilst Erhardt was way. He tells him that things didn’t go well back in Bamberg and about the fact that Valda was followed home by a man in a trench coat. This man turns out to be Gunther Deecke who claims he was spying for Kapitän zur See Arthur Scheunemann. He then told him about approaching Gunther at the club the following week and wonders if he has stepped over the line with that action. He then finishes by telling Erhardt that he is sorry if he has made things difficult but at least they know they are being watched. Joachim is due on patrol in a couple of days so will be busy making last minute preparations so he wishes Erhardt well for the next month and will see him at the end of November.
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Post by crushedhat on Dec 12, 2015 22:11:00 GMT
continued from preceding post
“Thank you, Joachim, for watching out for Valda. We both appreciate it. As to Gunther Deecke,” Erhardt tries to keep from sounding angry. “I will ask Scheunemann if the man is working for him and if so, why there is a need to spy on my wife. I believe my patrol record demonstrates my loyalty to the Fatherland.”
Calming down, Erhardt tells Joachim, “I’m sorry things aren’t working out with Annette.” Erhardt refrains from saying that he is sure his friend consoled himself in Madeline Alden’s arms, and bed. Rising, Erhardt extends his hand. “Mast und schotbruch.”
After Joachim leaves Erhardt reflects on what he as learned. As he does so, his anger returns.
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