Original subtitles

Midday, 3rd September 1939.

From 11am, Germany is at war with Great Britain.

A few minutes ago, the following radio broadcast was made

to all German naval units at sea:

Hostilities with England will commence immediately.

'Here is the news'.

- Turn it off - ... A Government statement ...

Is somebody there?

It's me, Grandma, I thought Alwine would be home.

Thank God I got something.

- What did you get? - Cucumber.

Now I just have to cook the meat.

You wanted ... you're trying to hide things again!

I'll put this away.

The war will be over soon.

It's too much for dinner.

Friedrich has been working all day, and has to go out again.

In the last war, we starved because of the British blockade.

Don't worry Grandma. Some music?

Don't put the radio on.

Can you find me a tin? It looks like rain.

Well, brother dear, if I find you a tin

- Can I turn the radio on? - You always win.

- Sounds like Goebbels? - That's your music.

There's just something about his voice...

Where are you taking all that bread?

To people in need. I have to repair my bike.

...strangely, just a week ago, on the first day of war

an American ship was torpedoed. Specifically, the Athenia,

with 1,428 passengers on board.

Perhaps the Athenia was really sunk by a submarine ...

I'll be back soon.

We have no interest in giving excuses for the Americans

to go to war, unlike the British!

Frau Prien here. Can I speak to the Commodore?

Please don't be angry. I know it's inappropriate to call,

- so late at night. - A little unusual perhaps.

But not inappropriate. I prefer you to call me

if anything worries you. I prefer that to

my Commanders having insecure wives at home.

Goebbels's speech? No, for us the Athenia case is resolved.

I understand your concern, but don't worry.

I have a signal from your husband right here.

Everything is fine. He's already on his way home.

Dead ahead, there he is!

How do you do it? And without binoculars!

It's just luck, Oberleutnant.

Remind me when we get back, you won the bottle.

Leutnant, to the bridge with a megaphone.

Smut the Cook won the bet.

Believe it or not, the cook's won the Schnapps.

If he's useless as a cook,

offer him to Adolf as a clairvoyant

I offered, but he didn't want me.

- Here I am, Sir. - What?

Leutnant with megaphone to relieve Smut.

who won the bet. - From Commander to Commander!

Are you heading home?

Of course, you blockhead!

All right! Were you at sea when war broke out?

- We sank two freighters, and you? - I have sunk three!

Did you have a good breakfast?

The last thing an officer thinks of is himself.

- We'll see you back in port! - All right! Bon voyage!

May I use the megaphone? The Commander is my cousin.

Leutnant to Commander! Did you sink the Athenia?

No, only an idiot like you could do that.

Every time I hear 'Athenia' I get a lump in my throat.

One day someone will drown that big mouth

Yes, Commander!

Signal from U-47, Kapitan Prien heading for Kiel

request instructions regarding reporting here.

Immediately they arrive in port.

Kapitan Schopf is already here.

I just don't know where to start.

Did you hear Goebbels?

They say we sunk the Athenia. It's unprecedented.

- What have you done? - I sank the Athenia, Sir.

Bluhm, wait outside!

- Repeat what you said. - I sank the Athenia.

What happened?

I mistook the Athenia for a British cruiser.

It was night, and war had just been declared.

The sea was rough and visibility poor

And my radio signals? And my constant queries?

Why didn't you report this before now?

I only suspected, after hearing about it on the radio

Considering the political situation and the fear of a possible

British reaction, I couldn't risk sending a signal

I was alone at the periscope and took the decision myself.

Did you completely lose your mind, Schopf?

Get the Chief of the General Staff and the First Officer.

And keep a line open to Berlin.

Make her ship-shape and clean the dock.

Okay, but you deserve a break too.

We'll be home tomorrow night unless ordered otherwise.

Hello Smut, always the first ashore.

- Yes, sir. - Do you cook as fast?

- Of course, Commander. - Don't get too drunk.

- Me drunk? - Beautiful women and Schnapps

- defeat the bravest. - Beautiful women and Schnapps

- defeat the bravest. - Get going!

First Officer shooting off, to see his girlfriend.

Okay. But get rid of that beard.

- No way, it stays. - As you wish.

Our U-Boats wage war according to international rules.

This is a damn mess, Commander Schopf.

You must change the relevant entry

in your combat log. Do it immediately.

Do you understood?

I said, do you understand?

With all due respect, I would be falsifying an official document.

The speech is beginning, Sir.

Get out.

Turn on the radio.

- The radio? - Yes, the radio.

'First, a question for the First Lord of the British Admiralty,'

'how do you know the torpedo came from a German submarine?'

'Is this an attempt to deceive people; that it wasn't you'

- 'who sank the Athenia?' - Turn it off.

I don't want a word of this getting to Berlin, clear?

Yes, Sir.

Shake on it, and return to your duties.

German U-Boats only dare attack passenger ships and freighters.

We must counter this accusation by a swift

and decisive attack on the enemy.

But for such a seemingly impossible endeavour

we must find the right man.

Dear Kordell, we already have him.

- Still not ready? - Can't wait for another kiss?

No, I'll give you one.

What a bore! The plumber has been at least fifty times

- Now it's started again. - No problem.

I've been so afraid for you.

Nothing will happen to me. I'm always lucky.

The little one!

Don't cry, Daddy's home now.

What are you thinking about?

What sort of man could sink the Athenia

People just like you would have been on board..

Forget the war today. Have some coffee and relax.

Prien here. Hello Bluhm. The Commodore? Okay.

The bay is surrounded by shore batteries.

In each of the seven channels there are

strong ocean currents from North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

The engines of our U-Boats can overcome the currents

but only in calm seas.

To this we must add the security measures

in the channels: patrols of the Straits with

sonar listening devices here, here and here.

A sunken freighter is particularly dangerous.

There are anti-submarine nets across the channels.

Hulls of cargo ships, and mines.

Here is our full report

1: Special maps and details of the south side of Scapa Flow.

2: U-Boat and aircraft reconnaissance reports.

They conclude the defences

are the same as the last war.

Both U-Boats that tried it then didn't return.

3: Our Agent's Report

All agree that yesterday, 1st October, right here

in the eastern most channel the nets have rusted

and near the coast is a 60 metre gap.

Our aerial reconnaissance found no blocking ships

in the area. Therefore, in this position

near the shore, there's a hole in the British defences.

Reconnaissance says that part of the English fleet,

aircraft carriers and cruisers are anchored there now.

- I think that's all, Sir. - Please leave us, Gentlemen

For years I've struggle in vain to increase our U-Boat fleet.

Currently there's 50. But we need 200 or more.

Even then we'd only match our opponent.

But victory in Scapa Flow might get us what we need.

It's clear such an operation requires

a Commander who is both level-headed and courageous

with intuition from long naval experience. And that's you.

A Commander must first consider his ship and his men.

I need a firm order.

I can't issue one.

Take the reports, analyse them fully

and find a way in and out of Scapa Flow.

Yes, Commodore.

- Not happy with your sailor? - But people ...

No one will see us here.

Listen.

Prien sings that when he's at the periscope.

When it gets ugly he just whistles.

What's up? Nobody want to play with you?

Not here, I�ve a little one at home, he's only five.

Not what you expected?

- Know what a U-Boat's like? - No.

You come up and sail on the surface and then... Alarm!

Your great Prien's a bit of a joke...

On Commander Schopf's boat we...

Give it a rest!

Try frying eggs in a force 12!

I already have!

You don't know what storm force 12 is!

You'll have to try a lot harder to beat me.

Shut your mouth...

- Schopf's Crew! - Here!

- Prien's Crew! - Here!

Charge!

Hello Comrades!

Anyone want to buy me and my cousins a drink?

Wanna bet that I can't fry eggs

- in a force 12? - Never bet with a guy like me

I always win because everyone bets against me.

This bottle!

It won it from the Commander.

But I can't get drunk.

Commander's orders. But why?

Why can't I drink the whole bottle?

Because pretty girls and Schnapps defeat the bravest.

But the bottle...

To hell with it, I'm drinking it!

I think they're from my crew.

Quick, over there. I don't want to get involved.

Stop! First Officer.

Smut, U47, bet winner, returning home with his shipmates.

Sure. And what was The Commander's order?

Well... I was ordered.. I'm not drunk.

- Well? - You'd know if I had

because I'd be sad.

Remember 'Pretty girls and Schnapps...'

Yes, I know 'Defeat the bravest'

Exactly. Now get to your bunk.

- I live here. - Can I come to?

Sure, I'll arrange it on the next mission.

What will they say?

They'll say "married?" and ask how old you are...

Tomorrow I want a picture of you.

- With a dress or skirt? - In a skirt.

- My skirt's too tight. - Undo it and use a safety pin.

Then they'll say: "Is she...?" "Of course" I'll say.

- The lights are still on. - We won't disturb anyone.

I told you everything, because I know you'd never

breathe a word, and... - And what?

I studied the reports last night.

I think it's possible to get in and torpedo the enemy.

But once in the bay

we may not be able to escape.

Come on, don't get upset.

I'd order the ship scuttled, and surrender.

Please G�nther, don't lie to me.

When?

When the boat's overhauled.

I wish you'd never go.

- Make a guess. - Guess what?

- Where we're headed. - Patience.

Signal the chief: 'Crossing position Clara'

Signal the boss: "Crossing Clara position."

- Encryption key 4. - Encryption key 4.

Leutnant! White coffee.

Thanks, it's force 9 up there.

It tastes better when it's force 12..

Alarm!

- All right? - All right.

Open valves.

Flood tanks!

- Boat stabilized. - Close vent valves.

- The fifth is closed. - Valves closed.

Maintain periscope depth.

Periscope up. There she is!

- British freighter. - Prepare to attack?

No attack. Periscope down. Down 30 metres.

- Down 30 metres. - I can't believe...

- Raufuss! - Commander.

- What? - I'll shut up now.

- Exactly. - Sonar stopped. Noise approaching.

Please concentrate on your work. Modify that signal:

'Crossing position Clara' to 'Have crossed position Clara'.

When we surface the freighter will be gone.

He crossed Position Clara at 16:40.

- The report, please. - First item.

On 4th October, eight days ago, our U-Boat

left for the Orkney Islands sector.

Since then no more contact with the British.

Item 2. Prien's radio is fine but

From 6:40 today he's maintaining radio silence.

to avoid detection by the British.

So by dawn he should have the Orkneys in sight?

Yes, sir. 3rd item. Report from the Luftwaffe.

The plane flew at 17:10. Scapa Flow currently holds...

- They're still there? - At the moment there's

an aircraft carrier, 5 battleships and 10 cruisers.

If Prien attacks tomorrow he'll get a big haul.

Look here, Emil.

- Can you see anything? - Yes, I see something.

Land. Ridges.

Bridge to Commander. 3� to port, land in sight.

- What's our position? - Orkneys in sight.

- When's sunrise? - In 37 minutes.

Change course to 0�. Full speed ahead.

Report in 15 minutes.

First Leutnant report to me in 12 minutes.

- First Leutnant reporting. - Come in, Birkeneck.

Read this.

For U47: an aircraft carrier 5 battleships and 10 cruisers.

all anchored in Scapa Flow.

We go in tonight, Birkeneck.

We'll cross over to the Orkney Islands,

shortly before sunrise.

- 15 minutes are up - Depth of water?

- 40 metres. - Prepare to dive.

Take her to the bottom. Then send all hands forward.

Yes, Sir.

- Ready to dive. - Thanks. Dive stations.

Stop diesel engines. Electric motors.

Flood tanks.

Electric motors full speed.

Depth?

10.

- 15. - Down periscope.

- Depth 20. - Stabilize the ship.

- 25. - Close all vents.

- Ship stabilized. 30. - Dive.

- 35. - Stop both engines.

Flood all tanks. Secure external doors.

All tanks flooded We're on the bottom.

All sectors to report.

- Torpedoes in order. - Electric motors in order.

- Diesel engines in order. - Bow tubes in order.

Kitchen also in order.

Ship stable at 35 metres.

Good. All men forward. Mind the controls.

Come on, you're half asleep.

Like a lot of timid virgins

- Everything OK? - All fine so far.

I feel like I'm about to give birth.

You've eaten too much.

Attention, Commander present!

Two officers, six NCOs and twenty-seven seamen.

Listen well, men. Tonight we enter Scapa Flow.

You all know what this means.

We're going to catch them off-guard in a surprise attack.

Scapa Flow Bay is the British fleet's main harbour.

there are many large capital ships at anchor.

We'll slip in quietly, and see what we can do.

It won't be easy, but we can do it, you're all well-trained.

So, keep it quiet.

Try and relax, if anyone loses control

at his post, he'll regret it, OK?

Yes, Commander!

In daylight we'll stay down to avoid detection.

Everyone try to get some sleep.

Officers too.

Take the first watch, Birkeneck.

Total silence on the ship.

The Watch will wrap boots in cloth to muffle noise.

Monitor the sonar constantly. You know the drill.

Save electricity, conserve oxygen, avoid unnecessary talk.

Use your masks, officers too.

At 17:00 hours, a hot meal, then just chocolate. Smut!

- Sir? - What do you suggest?

- Ribs with green beans. - Agreed?

Yes!

After dinner, check the torpedoes again.

And place explosive charges.

If it goes wrong, the ship will not be captured. Is that clear?

Yes, sir.

Everything in order.

Is that her?

- How old are you? - Nineteen.

I'll certainly come to your wedding.

What a snore! He looks calm enough.

I bet he's the only one who ate the ribs and beans.

Make sure you place the explosive charges.

Let's hope we don't need them.

I hope so too.

Nothing.

Caught it. That's a good omen.

What is?

A chop hitting the ground always brings bad luck.

And today's Friday the 13th too.

These are great omens.

Yes, indeed.

- I thought it would be dark. - Is that the new moon?

The Aurora Borealis, damn it.

Good visibility.

Stop motors. Half-ahead engines.

Change course, 2� to starboard, hold her steady.

- Let's go. - Steady as she goes.

I could swear I saw a shadow there.

I can't see anything.

He's right, there's a shadow. Dive!

Ventilators, flood tanks.

Five open! Three open!

Below the surface.

Full ahead both.

Faster. Good!

Both engines half speed.

There are the shadows. Blocking ships.

Two close together, a third behind.

Engines at full speed.

Next section. Hard to port. Everything hard to port.

Half speed ahead.

Well well!

To starboard.

Ten. Good.

Cut both engines.

OK, men, good!

Half speed ahead.

Slow both engines.

And now, boys, we sail blind. Periscope down.

Stay on course, Richard. Keep her steady, okay?

- Yes, sir. - Total silence.

Stop engines.

They're both idle.

We're caught in the nets, we're in the ...!

- Both engines slow ahead.

- We're still moving. - Stay on course.

It wasn't a net. It was an anchor chain. Periscope up.

I see something. I see a nice calm and sparkling bay.

We're inside. Down Periscope. Half-speed both engines.

- Half speed both engines. - Ready to surface.

First Officer, Second Officer Smut and I, to the bridge.

- All clear above. - Stop!

We're already inside, but it seems there's nothing here.

An aircraft carrier, 5 battleships and 10 cruisers, wasn't it?

They must have gone.

Shit. Shall we go?

Let's take a look anyway. Change course 55�.

Change course 55�.

What's going on up there?

- Not a bloody thing there. - Set a new course.

Prepare for a surface attack. Torpedoes 1 to 4.

Gunner to bridge. How deep and how far?

2 metres, distance 700.

- A battleship! There. - I see it.

It must be the Royal Oak. And I think the Repulse is behind.

Install the binoculars. We'll close and fire torpedoes.

Torpedoes 1 to 4 armed.

We'll attack a large ship. Prepare torpedoes 1 to 4

Torpedoes 1 to 4.

Full ahead both.

- 2�. - New course set.

- A degree more. - New course set.

Prepare torpedoes 1 to 4.

Distance: 800 metres.

- 750. - Torpedoes Away!

Hard to port.

How are they running?

They look straight and true to me.

- Report running time. - 15 seconds.

All four should be there.

Stop both engines.

- Just one. - And no flames.

Nothing else. One hit the anchor chain and the others...

- are long gone. - Complete failure.

Report anything that moves.

- Sector 1 unchanged. - Sector 2 unchanged.

- Sector 3 unchanged. - I don't understand.

But he who sleeps, fails.

- How long to recharge? - 20 minutes.

The tide turns in 10 minutes and we'll be trapped

Reload, quick. Two torpedoes. Distance: 300 metres.

Depth 4 metres. Direct shot.

Two torpedoes, 300 metres, depth 4, direct shot.

Distance 300, depth 4.

2nd Leutnant Smut to the bridge immediately.

- Yes, Sir. Smut to bridge. - Roger.

How much longer?

I'll kill him if he does that again!

Torpedo 1 is not available.

- Well prepare torpedoes 2 to 4. - Prepare torpedoes 2 to 4.

All posts: we will attack. Slow ahead.

Keep your eyes peeled. Torpedoes ready?

2 to 4 ready.

A degree to starboard.

- New course set. - Estimated distance?

380.

360.

- Torpedoes 2 to 4 ready? - Torpedoes 2 to 4 ready.

- 340. - Torpedoes away!

2,000 men.

That's the population of England?

Raufuss go below.

Look out! Shrapnel!

Starboard two. Lighthouses and ships.

Port one. Searchlights and beams.

Starboard one. Ships, beacons and flares.

Direction 200� silhouette of a destroyer.

- Now it begins. - Shall we dive?

No, the current's too strong down there.

- Diesel engines? - Diesel engines ready.

Stop electric motors, diesel engines to maximum

Valves fully open!

Hold her steady, monitor the current.

- The hard part begins. - Stay calm, Richard.

- Distance from the coast? - No change. We're not moving.

The current's too strong.

Destroyer coming. Bearing 200�.

He'll see us. He can't miss us.

Over there, he won't see us in the shadows.

But it's marked as shallow on the chart.

Now I understand why we prepared explosive charges!

Destroyer approaching, coming straight for us.

- Distance from the coast? - Distance unchanged.

Stop motors. Diesel at full power.

Stop motors. Diesel at full power.

Turn them on.

The boat's falling apart!

15 to starboard.

- Report. - Gaining quickly.

The destroyer's turning. She's moving away.

- They can't see us. - Over there!

- Have we been seen? - Wait.

Maintain position.

It's stopping!

10 to port.

They're going to raise the alarm.

- Maintain position.

- Report. - Destroyer on different course.

- There's something there! - It's nothing, waves, rocks.

- It's very shallow. - Stay on course.

- Motors to five. - Maintain course.

Maintain position.

Hard to port.

Maintain position.

10 to port.

- Motors running hot. - Maintain course.

I'll sort it out!

- Report. - The ship's handling well.

It's fixed.

We did it!

'I'm in the huge hall of the Reichs Chancellery,

near where...'

Here comes the reception, Friedrich.

It must be exciting.

'Huge crowds line the street'.

'First to appear is Kapitan Prien, hero of Scapa Flow'.

He strides up the stairs, to be greeted by the F�hrer.

He's there now. Listen!

You only see this gleaming fa�ade, but I see another image.

Of the tortured and humiliated who have to hide away

or be treated like cattle for having other beliefs,

or belonging to another race. - That can't be true.

You don't know everything, Alwine. Maybe it's better that way.

Where do you think I go every night?

- To help people? - Help? Yes and no.

I can do little, but attempt to comfort them.

- I'll turn it off. - Kapitan Prien ...

I thought you'd like to hear about Prien

because you were at school together.

What's all this?

What a bore! I'll never get through all these.

Are these letters all for your famous husband?

It's awful. From congratulations to begging letters.

Oberleutnant Birkeneck and his wife.

We're not married yet, but .. my compliments.

Let me give you these This is Frauline Alwine Kille.

Glad to meet you, do you know Herr Orsel?

- I don't think so. - Not until now.

And I'm really sorry for that.

Don't believe a word, Alwine. Hello, Herwig.

- As punctual as the Navy. - Only G�nther's missing now.

- Some flowers. - Thanks. You know Herr Raufuss?

You're full of beans today.

I'm not happy about your performance in Berlin

I don't want to debate it with you.

I don't want to discuss it,

except to clarify my position.

You were ordered to speak only to the press.

No one asked you to join Goebbels' propaganda spectacle.

- Yes Commodore, but I ... - I assume it was orchestrated

so you were forced to speak without warning.

But you should have said nothing except you were lucky

and glad to be alive. Full stop. Because you're a soldier,

nothing more, nothing less. Is that clear?

Yes, Commodore.

Now let me tell you something, Prien. Suddenly, you're a celebrity.

Kapitan Prien fills newspapers around the world.

Everyone will want to lure you to their cause.

If you're not careful you'll be engulfed in a whirlpool

harder to escape than Scapa Flow.

- You understand? - Yes, Commodore.

And by the way...

Well done.

Thank you very much, ma'am.

Sorry. I want to talk with you in private.

- Did my wife call? - She's been calling.

Everyone is waiting. Allow me a personal request.

When the new U-Boats are ready, and Raufuss

is promoted. I'd like to be your Second Officer.

- That's up to the Admiralty. - Yes, but if I could...

I didn't want to bother you at home, later.

- At my house? - Your wife invited me.

Very nice of her. But she's getting impatient.

I just need a few minutes to get changed.

You've an incredibly loose tongue. Can you call my wife?

- Of course, Sir. - I'll be home in 10 min.

Ten minutes?

I'll get him.

The car's over there, Kapitan.

OK, let's go.

So, who are you? Hey, you're 'Goodie Kille' from school?

- Why are you here? - I have to talk to you.

But why like this?

How else could I get a moment alone with you?

- Where are we going? - Wherever you want.

- Go on then. - I'm a Pastor.

Like you always wanted, so what now?

- I ask you to help me. - What's the problem?

Remember our favourite maths teacher, Herr Mandelbaum?

We called him 'Tree', he helped you with your exam?

I'm trying to help poor unfortunates like him,

they're in concentration camps, because of their race,

but there's only so much I can do.

it's like a drop of water in an ocean.

Kille, you're a Pastor and I'm a soldier. That's it.

I want nothing to do with all that. Stop here.

Stop!

Don't think I'll give up so easily.

I told you before, I'm just a soldier.

- It's a question of humanity. - I said no!

God has chosen you.

Whether it's God or fate, I've had good luck lately.

- Well, do something now! - I told you...!

Stop!

For two weeks I've hidden 11 people. I swear they're innocent.

They must leave but I can't get them across the border.

You could help. You have access to powerful people.

- It would be treason. - You could help, please!

In future, I'll be glad to talk to you

...about school. But don't start this again.

I assure you of my discretion, but I say 'no'.

I must go. Good night.

Would a short speech be appropriate?

If you're tired of life. What happened to your lip?

- An accident? - Me?

That's some mark.

You're a treasure. That worked very well.

Here it is Herr Schopf

It seems he's been awarded the Knight's Cross.

You seem different somehow, Herr Schopf.

No, you're mistaken.

A single torpedo, a cloudy night

The next morning we found an exhausted seagull

on our deck. One of my men died saving it.

Madam, the Kapitan is here.

At last!

In the bedroom.

G�nther, at last!

My God, it's been forever. First Berlin, then the Commodore.

I thought you'd forgotten me.

How could I?

- Is something wrong? - It's nothing.

Come on, everyone's waiting.

They'll go soon and you can tell me everything.

Hurry.

This is my bedroom.

- Did you talk to him? - Who are you?

I'm Alwine Kille, I am the sister of...

Pastor Kille?

Yes, you were schoolmates. Did he talk to you?

- Yes, but I said 'no'. - You said 'no'?

Quiet, my daughter is asleep.

- Can't you help? - Please be quiet.

You're a famous person

Maybe, but I don't want to be. Now I must see to my guests.

And I heard what a good man you're supposed to be!

My brother thought that as you'd destroyed 2,000 lives

you might be willing to save a few.

But you're no more than a ...

Lights out!

Very moving, eh, Sir?

The killers honour their hero.

Slow ahead both engines.

Look for survivors.

We've had a signal, aircraft heading this way.

Look as long as possible.

There's something!

Three men on deck, quickly!

There's another!

Get them aboard fast!

- Planes, Commander! - Where?

I hear them.

Report what you see, not what you hear.

- What? - There's German refugees aboard.

- Where am I? - You're safe now.

- Where am I? - On a German U-Boat.

But that was a British ship. Why do you speak such good German?

A German U-Boat!

He's gone crazy!

- Planes, there they are! - Alarm! Get below!

Let me go, I'm not going back to a camp! Murderers!

Down 80 meters. Bow down, stern down.

5. 10. 15.

Half speed, both engines.

20.

25.

Close valves. 30 meters.

35.

40.

Is what that man said true?

There! There Commander!

Come on lad, get a grip.

Is this what we've done? We're responsible for this?

Go below, have a Schnapps and take it easy.

Send a replacement up.

Calm down J�rg, I'll cook you something nice.

- Is it true? Is it true?! - Stop yelling.

Seaman Christiansen asks permission to ask

if it is true about concentration camps.

No, no, thanks. We'll serve ourselves.

A good idea, Kapitan.

It's strange being on land again.

How did you find this place?

My aunt married a Prince.

A Russian. And they opened this place, here in Paris.

- What's it called? - 'Dernier Rivage'.

'The Last Bank'. Well, Birkeneck ...

Thomas, dear, what a joy! How are you?

Who's your friend?

May I present Kapitan Prien. You may give him a kiss.

Of course I will. I'm glad you're here.

Yes, us too, aunt.

At your age should you still call me aunt?

I don't understand those who try to stop

doing what has always made you happy.

You look great. This century's women are prettier.

And the last one too.

Too bad it won't be the next as well, let's dance.

I really can't. The guy I'm with has had too much.

He's not well, poor man.

He'll get a a kiss to make it better too.

She's an extraordinary woman.

- Your girlfriend's brother... - The Pastor?

Yes, you know him?

A little, he'll be my brother-in-law.

But do you like him?

I'm a soldier.

I told him that too.

But I realize that being a soldier isn't enough.

- Commander! - Come in, Birkeneck.

- The ship is at 160 metres. - Thanks. Where's my cap?

It's been taken as a souvenir.

Play a decent record!

Well, Birkeneck, we won't sail together much now.

No, no, we still have a way to go.

You'll make a very good Commander.

That's due to my teacher For example Raufuss develops

very well, but Bluhm is a poor substitute.

For my little boy. What a monkey, eh?

- Attention! - As you were.

A momento, Commander.

Thanks guys, but I'll take my cap with me.

Very nice, but, it's losing it's needles.

We'll stay down an hour. And if anything turns up

up there, we'll let it go because it's Christmas.

But our target for this mission is 8,000 tonnes.

- Just let it go, okay? - Yes, Sir.

Make way!

Well, Smut, what have you prepared today?

Berlin Doughnuts.

Save me a couple for later.

And have a good drink, to the health of our fleet.

Come on, two each. J�rg first!

- J�rg! Where are you? - Here!

Come on, grab a plate. You can have four because

you're still shaky from the birth of your child.

We haven't drunk J�rg's health. Cheers!

Comrades, a toast to my wife Cristina.

Shut up, you lot! Listen to that lovely music.

Here you are men, the best buns in the world.

Destroyer detected. Steady signal, getting closer.

Total silence on board.

War destroys all cultural expression.

Amongst other things.

Pass information down the line.

- Keep listening. - Go on!

They never find us with sonar so far down.

- Birkeneck? - Commander? - What were my orders?

Total silence, including the dropping of lids.

- Yes, but I wanted ... - Birkeneck!

In a new situation, the Commander speaks first.

Propeller noise detected. The signal indicates it's closing.

To battle stations. Get the boat off the bottom. Conserve energy.

- Battle stations. - Jettison two tonnes.

The boat's off the bottom.

Slow ahead both. Let's go.

- 260�. - 155.

150. 145.

- 140. - Report.

Propeller noise, closing fast.

Our first Christmas present.

They can't locate us at this depth.

- Up to 120 metres. - Up to 120 metres.

- Propeller noise stopped. - Slow ahead.

Propeller noise, closing fast.

New noises to port and starboard.

We're fenced in.

Full ahead both engines.

Lights!

Come on, lad, hold on. Get a grip!

Take him to my cabin.

- Depth? - 120 metres.

- Close air valves! - All closed.

Forward two miles. Depth: 300 meters.

Noise from propellers closing, a destroyer's trying to find us.

Slow.

- Absolute silence on board. - The engines are still running.

- Stop engines. - Engines stop!

Bluhm, go and investigate, One man to the stern!

Raising the vessel 50.

Emergency lighting.

- Everyone's unconscious. - The acid's leaking.

Masks on everyone. Go and see, we'll surface.

- And air. Run, hurry. - We'll close the exhaust.

But there are destroyers above, they'll shoot!

Hold your nerve, man, get to your post.

Stay alert, breathe deeply.

My glasses!

Why don't you piss off, damn your stoicism!

I'll report this to the Admiralty.

Get out of here now, go to the bridge. Report.

The destroyers have stopped 800 metres away.

Now, Richard, give us your master stroke.

Unconscious, I've made a tourniquet.

Up 30 metres. 25 metres. 15. 20. 10. We've surfaced!

We're right amongst them! Watch out, here she comes!

A man to the bridge! Man overboard! Move it!

- There, there! - Where? I see!

Damn! What about the engines? Slow down!

I've got you! Hold on!

Get going!

Slow down!

Get him out, fast.

Get the men out!

Up you come!

Clear the bridge!

Get below, quick!

Since then the effectiveness of depth charges has improved.

The enemy's Sonar equipment is better and effective

at great depths. Of the Luftwaffe there's no sign.

We are vastly outnumbered by a better equipped enemy.

During the voyage from Norway, I spoke with Kapitan Norbert Zieler.

He feels the same. The efforts of my men are superhuman.

It's the same for all the U-Boats

Yes, but if I may, Commodore...

Take a week's leave.

It's not just about us, Sir.

If the Fuhrer sends a mere handful against millions

of enemies, don't be surprised if we lose the war.

Is that right?

Yes, Admiral.

Our overlords in Berlin were impressed by Scapa Flow,

but too late. Since then 26 submarines failed to return

and only 26 were built. We still have just 58 U-Boats.

But with just a handful of ships, your small group

has tied up much larger enemy forces.

Now at last our shipyards are equipped properly.

The delivery of new U-Boats will increase and you won't be so few.

Be patient, Prien.

No, no! All you have to do is say no.

But it's not, Inge. On the contrary, I've explained how much...

All you do is talk, talk and talk. Here's the letter

in which you're offered the training position,

but all you do is talk.

We always go over the same old thing, darling.

Ingeborg, come on. Please.

I need to talk it through sometimes.

Please.

Keep quiet. Where's my cap?

- G�nther! - The Sonar!

You're safe at home. You're with me, me!

Of course, I'm sorry.

No, listen carefully. You must accept the Instructor position.

You've done your duty to the limits of your strength.

It's this sudden quiet. I'm totally exhausted.

Those of us left at home experience similar feelings.

But a Naval Commander should resist it more.

G�nther, just think your family, your friends.

Yes

Let's have a baby.

Please, we don't want a bomb falling on us now.

We must celebrate.

Yes, at 9am tomorrow, I'll go to HQ and tell them

I accept the position as Instructor

Your wife... you are married, aren't you?

Yes, but I didn't tell her. I only decided on the way here.

She'll be very happy that the horror is over for you.

And the others too. The wives of your men,

your crew... or whatever you call them?

Or must they carry on?

So, you won't take the Instructor's post?

No, Admiral. With respect I want to go back to sea.

- And your reason? - I can't abandon my men.

I'll consider your request.

Schopf also declined, did you know?

No, Admiral.

We've had no contact from his U-Boat for four days.

- For four days? - Yes, four days!

Who would you recommend for the Instructor's position?

My choice is Kapitan L�tteck.

You're so damn stubborn.

Your U-Boat is in dock.

Thank you, Admiral.

I'll tell the Admiral.

- G�nther! - Thomas!

What are you doing here?

Congratulations you on your own command. When do you sail?

The day after tomorrow. Thank God.

Is something wrong?

They caught Alwine's brother, the Pastor. Here in Paris.

He helped people escape. He's being executed tomorrow.

- Don't you recognize him? - Recognize who?

It's Prien, 'The Bull of Scapa Flow'.

He's highly decorated.

Why else would the chief let him in so late?

I don't normally admit anyone so late, but your name

opens many doors. What I can do for you?

Perhaps I didn't make myself clear on the phone?

Actually, I do remember. But I'm curious.

And a little surprised. Why are you interested in Pastor...?

...Kille. What's his situation?

He's sentenced to death.

- When? - As soon as I sign.

Could you stop it?

My powers are quite wide.

I must leave tomorrow.

Could you postpone things until I return?

I could do, but...

...why your interest?

He's my friend.

An old friend or a recent one?

Recent.

- You'd like to talk to him? - Yes

Take Kapitan Prien to see Pastor Kille.

- Yes, Sir. - This way please.

264. Kohl speaking. See that Prien sees Father Kille.

Leave him alone with the Pastor, OK?

Open a file on Prien and record everything.

Don't worry, Friedrich, I'll get you out of here.

- You've changed your mind? - Yes, trust me.

Scapa Flow hasn't been forgotten.

I can still use it to advantage. And I want to help.

Why?

I didn't want to believe you, but now I know the truth.

I've done my duty as a soldier and will do so,

but not so that we become screaming murderers.

Tomorrow I must leave, but when I get back, believe me,

I'll use my influence as much as I can.

Now I must go. Trust me.

Good luck. I mean that sincerely.

Signal from Kapitan Prien, Admiral.

Read it.

His report reads: "Three freighters sunk,

Gross weight 6,000 tonnes Expended all torpedoes.

Joined escort vessel Potkarl for surface combat".

Since then they've maintained radio silence.

Easy. If I hadn't destroyed your ship,

you'd have destroyed mine. I lost twelve men.

- Where's my crew? Are they dead? - The water was too cold.

We could only save you and him there.

Get off me.

- Smut. - Just you and me, Kapitan.

We're the only ones left.

- There's something there! - What?

A periscope.

What if it's ours? We're finished! Alarm!

Silence! We're at war, in case you'd forgotten.

Stop engines.

Wow, she went down fast.

- There's something floating. - Go and see what it is.

Aircraft bearing 50�

Alarm!

Commander!

Commander!

Our U-Boats attacked a naval convoy

sinking a total of 64,000 gross tonnes.

U-Boat Kapitan von Birkeneck,

Kapitan Prien and OberLeutnant Raufuss did not return

from the mission. They are presumed dead.

On behalf of the Wehrmacht...