Chapter 54: Voyage Across America
Guys, let's go smash Zhang's votes!
Please go ahead and provide the text you'd like me to translate. I'll return the translation in English.
Perhaps because of the 1500-ton displacement, which is close to that of a large destroyer, the construction period of the U139-type submarine was much longer than that of the general U and UB-type submarines. It wasn't until April 1918 that the submarine assigned to Zhang Haino's crew was completed with the best equipment, with the hull number set as U148.
Unlike the hasty departure of U171, this time the Navy Department gave Zhang Haino two weeks to lead his crew to familiarize and inspect the submarine. Although the newly commissioned submarine did not have the aging parts phenomenon like the old submarine, it needed a thorough inspection of its watertightness, engine and other main components, just like a newly built ship, to determine that they would not make any mistakes during actual navigation. The craftsmanship of the German shipyard had been well verified in the Battle of Jutland, and except for some lines that needed to be fixed and adjusted, U148 performed well in both full-speed sailing and extreme diving. Its surface maximum speed reached 17.2 knots, underwater maximum speed 8.8 knots, and it still operated normally at a depth of 50 meters.
Until the day before U-148 received the order to depart, Zhang Haino would smile with satisfaction every time he had a meal, as the commander of what he considered to be a top-notch ocean-going submarine. This was also reflected in other crew members, especially the old sailors - there were 32 bunks on the submarine, which was two-thirds of the crew, and the supplies could support all crew members living at sea for 10 to 12 weeks. The submarine even had a small freezer, conditions that, although still far inferior to those of large warships, were much more comfortable than those of other submarines, especially old ones like U-7.
On May 4, 1918, Kapit?nleutnant Hans Rose received his first operational orders since taking command of U-151. He was to take the ocean-going submarine across the Atlantic and into the eastern sea frontier of the United States where he would attack valuable American ships and lay mines off American ports.
(This sounds like the mission of a German Navy long-range submarine in the late World War II, but after checking a lot of information, the German Navy indeed had such capabilities and implemented them during World War I)
The order also required Zhang Haino not to disclose the contents of this directive to anyone, including his crew members, before departing from the port. During the entire combat process, he should maintain radio silence as much as possible to avoid exposing his whereabouts. After U148 set sail, as the captain, Zhang Haino had a high degree of command over this submarine and could even make the final decision on which American port to supply.
Because he had already guessed it, Zhang Haino was not too surprised by the content of this order. However, the American topographic map that came with the order from the Navy Department was very disappointing to him. This kind of map with a scale of 1:20 million is barely usable for travel, let alone for combat missions. It can be imagined how inadequate the preparation work of the German Navy was for this action (this phenomenon existed during World War I)!
Recalling the map of Malta that Heson used before, Zhang Haino said to himself, if one day he had the power, he would definitely prepare a detailed map of the four continents and five oceans before the outbreak of war, and it would be best to have a seabed topographic map as well, because when you need to use it, it will be too late!
As designed from the start to be a "cruising submarine" capable of transoceanic warfare, U-139-class submarines had a vertical container on the afterdeck for storing mines, which could carry 12 floating mines and implement underwater laying.
These sound like the work of World War II submarines, but German U-boats already had such technology during World War I. Another specification similar to the UE-type cruiser minelayer could even carry 32 mines to fight on the east coast of the United States. It is worth mentioning that from 1918 to 1935, Germany did not build any more submarines for nearly 20 years, but the submarine technology in World War II was still ahead of other countries in the world. The Germans' talent for this type of weapon can be seen!
With the fuel and ammunition on board having been fully loaded, after the last batch of fresh vegetables and meat products were transported onto the boat, Zhang Haino took a final look at this familiar harbor and proudly commanded U-148 to set sail.
After the submarine left Wilhelmshaven, Zhang Haino immediately convened all crew members to announce the wireless silence order and informed them that U-148 would go to the eastern waters of the United States for combat this time.
Upon hearing the news, almost every crew member's face showed surprise and excitement. From Germany to America, even taking the shortest route, there are over 4,000 nautical miles, including Zhang Haino, no one here has been to such a distant place as a crew member, not to mention the potential crises and unpredictable sea conditions along the way, even if they sailed continuously at the submarine's surface cruising speed, it would take 18 to 20 days!
That is to say, this will be a long and arduous journey!
During World War II, some German U-boats took more than a month to reach the United States. This was mainly because British and American anti-submarine reconnaissance forces were very strong at that time, and German submarines often had to use snorkels to operate underwater during the day, which naturally made them much slower than surface navigation.
As the British vigilance grew tighter, it became increasingly difficult to find suitable targets in the North Sea, English Channel and eastern Atlantic. Going to North America was tantamount to a Spanish-style adventure and gold rush for the German Navy, as Americans were known for their wealth and extravagance; sinking a few of their million-ton ships or liners would bring honor, rewards and promotion within reach.
As for the pros and cons, Zhang Hainuo wouldn't be unaware of them. He immediately made his first mobilization to the boatmen after setting sail:
"Men, the attack on the ports of North America has only just begun. It's like the North Sea and the Scottish coast in 1914 - everywhere you look there are American ships that are careless about their defenses. We're like wolves; once we cross this big ocean, we'll be in the sheepfold. There aren't any watchdogs, no traps, but plenty of opportunities. That's where the wolf has his fun! When we return again, I promise you that each one of us will have medals on our chests!"
"At the same time, I hope everyone will pay attention to the following three points before arriving in North America: Firstly, no one is allowed to be negligent during their shift. Once an accident occurs, there will be no one to rescue us on the vast ocean far away from our homeland! Secondly, although our freshwater supply can theoretically last for two and a half months for everyone, I request that everyone conserve water as much as possible to ensure we have enough in case of unexpected situations; Thirdly, please communicate more with your fellow crew members to avoid feeling down or depressed due to the prolonged voyage at sea. If you find any abnormal behavior from your companions, please report it to me immediately. Note that this reporting is not for punishing someone but rather for us to help them together!"
"Does everyone understand?" Zhang Hainuo asked loudly at last.
"Understood!" The crew responded with high morale.
Zhang Haino nodded in satisfaction, the voyage had just begun, he must continue to mobilize the enthusiasm of these boatmen, especially the newcomers here, their experience was not as good as the old birds, and they also needed more psychological grinding, this long voyage was the best opportunity.
