The Phantom U Boat

It was 1917 and World War 1 was in its third year, and the German Imperial Navy submarine U-28 slipped silently through the cold waters of the North Sea. Inside the metal cylinder, the crew went about their duties with grim determination. "Herr Kapitän," the navigation officer approached the stocky commander. "We are on course for the English shipping lanes as ordered." Kapitän Erich Löwenhart nodded curtly. "Very good, Oberleutnant. Keep me updated on our position." The young officer saluted crisply. "Jawohl!" The predatory U-boat continued its submerged patrol, hunting for Allied merchant vessels carrying munitions and supplies to aid the British war effort. The seamen’s nerves were taut as stretched cables, knowing their small undersea craft could easily become a steel coffin if struck by an enemy torpedo or depth charge. Hours ticked slowly by in the muggy, oil-scented confines of the U-boat. The only sounds were the eerie groans and pings of the metal hull and the constant thrum of the electric motors. "Herr Kapitän, there is an enemy submarine just ahead, heading our way!" said the Oberleutnant as he wiped the sweat from his forehead, knowing death was staring right at them.