1st patrol, Sept 1 1939.
We've invaded Poland. Or they have invaded us, depends on who you listen to. The talk is the Tommies and the French will just back down again. I'm not so sure. Time will tell...
Big brass band on the dock, lots of cheering and the crew in high spirits as we pull out. Ahead slow in our new VIIB, we make for the Kiel canal locks. Damnedest thing happens. A small tanker with Esso colors steams into the closed lock gates and explodes! What a mess. Long way round for us it seems.
Some of the crew speak of sabotage. I shut that down straightaway but I can see the lads are shaken. It isn't the best way to start our first outing. Looking forward to deep water. Some emergency drills and mock target runs to set the routine and get their minds on what may come...