U-99 Feb '41 Patrol Part 1
The February chill hung heavy over the Bay of Biscay. Aboard U-99, the monotony of the patrol weighed on the crew. Days turned into weeks with no sign of Allied shipping. Morale dipped, the endless expanse of ocean a stark reminder of their isolation.
Halfway through the month, a glimmer of hope. A faint radio transmission hinted at a nearby convoy. Excitement crackled through the U-boat, but a sudden storm whipped up, obscuring their target. The convoy vanished into the squall, leaving the crew with a bitter taste of disappointment.
The following night, fortune smiled. The storm abated, revealing the convoy, its lights twinkling in the distance. Kretschmer, his instincts honed by countless patrols, maneuvered U-99 into striking position.
"Torpedos los!"
Two torpedoes streaked through the water. One veered off course, but the second found its mark, a thunderous explosion echoing through the night. A large merchantman, caught in the blast, listed heavily and began to sink.
The escorts reacted swiftly. Sonar pings filled the water, followed by the ominous rumble of depth charges. U-99 shuddered under the onslaught, but Kretschmer, a master of evasion, kept the boat safe.
The relentless attacks forced U-99 to break off the pursuit. The convoy, now alerted and scattered, faded into the night. Despite the near miss, the crew was jubilant. One ship sunk, a victory against the odds. The long wait had been worth it.
The Bay of Biscay remained a dangerous hunting ground, but U-99 had proven its mettle. The patrol was far from over, and more opportunities awaited.
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