Berlin, QinTian's Office. QinTian was summoning Dönitz. He was particularly intrigued by Dönitz's plan for a surprise attack on Scapa Flow. After approving the plan, QinTian had called Dönitz in a week later.
"Commander, our new submarine performs admirably, does it not?" QinTian inquired.
"Your Highness, it is excellent—truly remarkable! Far superior to the U-100 we previously employed!" Dönitz replied, his face alight with excitement.
Initially, he had never anticipated that his plan would receive approval. After all, it was exceedingly risky, with a very slim chance of success. Yet, the fact that the Imperial Crown Prince personally endorsed it and provided ample support infused him with renewed confidence.
The new submarine QinTian referred to was the U-200, constructed at the Germania Shipyard. This improved model boasted a larger displacement, greater speed, and an increased torpedo capacity, resulting in a substantial enhancement of its overall combat capabilities. The U-200 had only recently begun mass production, and the specimen assigned to Dönitz was one of the earlier models.
"Commander, your plan is undeniably audacious. I initially hesitated to approve it. However, I reconsidered and thought perhaps you might indeed work a miracle. I have arranged for the Naval Department to provide you with full assistance, and I sincerely hope for your success this time," QinTian stated.
"Your Highness, I am confident I will succeed!" Dönitz asserted with equal conviction.
Dönitz and his crew spent a full ten days preparing before departing Wilhelmshaven and entering the North Sea. During this period, they familiarized themselves with the new U-200 submarine, studied tactics, and analyzed the currents and other hydrological conditions of Scapa Flow to ensure the success of their mission.
Germany's intelligence apparatus had also swung into action, gathering detailed information about Scapa Flow. To the crew's delight, it appeared the British were blissfully unaware of the underwater threat, as they had not installed anti-submarine nets in the harbor.
On the night of March 12, Dönitz and his crew set sail in the new U-037 submarine from the Wilhelmshaven naval base, heading into the North Sea. They anticipated arriving at Scapa Flow by the following evening, provided they did not encounter British vessels along the way. Any such encounter could significantly prolong their journey.
The North Sea was exceedingly narrow, and German and British warships often clashed within its confines. Although major engagements were infrequent, skirmishes between smaller vessels occurred almost daily. Therefore, the U-037 needed to evade British ships to clandestinely infiltrate Scapa Flow.
"Chief, this submarine is truly impressive. It is far superior to our previous vessel," the first officer remarked to Dönitz.
"Of course, it is the latest model, not yet in full service. The Crown Prince has entrusted us with this prototype specifically for this operation. We cannot afford to disappoint His Highness. We must sink as many British capital ships as possible," Dönitz replied.
"Chief, how many British capital ships do you plan to destroy this time?" a crew member asked.
Dönitz pondered for a moment before responding, "Our submarine is equipped with six torpedo tubes, with a total of eighteen torpedoes available. I plan to launch at least twelve. At such close range, hitting the targets should pose no problem. Sinking three British battleships with twelve torpedoes should be entirely feasible."
"Three battleships? That's absolutely achievable! These are heavyweight torpedoes. British vessels are notoriously vulnerable. The warhead of a 533 mm heavyweight torpedo is more than capable of penetrating their thin armor."
"However, Commander, loading the torpedoes takes considerable time. Once we hit our targets, the chaos in Scapa Flow will undoubtedly ensue. Will the British grant us sufficient time to reload?" Dönitz furrowed his brow, realizing that reloading all six torpedo tubes would take at least three minutes. A single explosion would certainly alert the British.
"I propose we prepare for reloading before firing. After launching the torpedoes, we can immediately start reloading. Once that's complete, we can fire again and make our escape. This way, the British will have a harder time pinpointing our location," the gunnery officer suggested.
Dönitz nodded in agreement. "That's the plan. It's our only viable option to launch twelve torpedoes in the shortest possible time. Everyone will need to exert themselves. Additionally, to ensure our accuracy, we must carefully position ourselves during the first salvo to ensure all six torpedoes hit their targets. This will make the subsequent launch significantly easier."
"Understood, Commander," everyone replied.
"God be with us! This time, we will surely succeed!" Dönitz declared.
"God be with us! Victory is ours!"
Fortune favored Dönitz and his crew, as they encountered no British ships along their route, allowing them to arrive at a point less than fifty kilometers from Scapa Flow by the following evening. They now approached a high-risk zone, remaining submerged and surfacing only minimally to extend a periscope.
"Everyone, take a moment to rest. After nightfall, we will enter Scapa Flow!" Dönitz commanded.
The crew began to eat or catch some sleep, fully aware that a fierce battle awaited them that night. If they succeeded, they would emerge as heroes. Yet, if they failed, they would meet their fate buried alongside the submarine in Scapa Flow. Despite their willingness to risk their lives for this mission, the instinct to survive remained strong; every man yearned for life. Becoming a hero while living was far more appealing than facing death.
At 8 PM, darkness enveloped the sky.
The U-037 glided through the waters like a specter, slowly making its way toward Scapa Flow.
When they were ten kilometers away from Scapa Flow, the submarine descended beneath the waves. From there, they would navigate silently. Fortunately, the U-200 had an underwater endurance of up to one hundred nautical miles, allowing them to accomplish their mission with ease.
The British, oblivious to the impending danger, never imagined that a German submarine could infiltrate their main naval base.