8/12/1939 Baltic, Kiel Harbor, 1st day at sea
After months of preparations and training the starboard watch is called at midnight and Ship 77 weighs anchor at 01:00 hrs. her last links to Germany severed the raider slowly moves away from the pier during the last 2 nights the vessel was painted all grey is now disguised as a German Transport under the Reich Service Flag.
1. Outer hull painted grey
2. On deck winches, hatches, ventilators, etc. grey
3. Superstructure grey
4. Smokestack grey length unchanged
5. Masts grey, searchlights removed
6. Pole masts and cargo booms put up
7. Cannons I and X not disguised both painted grey
8. Boats setout
9. Draft marks fitted
10. German flag hoisted on roof of signal deck.
In accordance with her outbound orders Ship 77 is to make for Point Red 10 and meet her escorts.
