Original subtitles

Oh,

she didn't give a position.

No, she went dead on us before we got it.

We got a bearing, but no fix.

Of course, she should belong to S-59, about 300 miles away.

Hmm, she is a straggler, isn't she?

Engine trouble, I expect.

Right bang in the middle, too.

What a place to get it, poor devil's.

The point is, just after we got her distress

message, we got a line on this little fellow.

We can only assume that he was the cause of the trouble.

Anyway, it's the only clue we have as to her position.

What a clue.

In other words, from a practical point of view, we've no idea where she is.

She may be anywhere inside this rather doubtful circle.

Well, if you like to put it that way.

In any case, we've detached two units from support group A.

Go and hunt the U-boat.

And if our assumption's correct, they do stay.

Have you all got your rations fired there, men?

Yes, sir.

Put that down a while, Jock.

My bloody hands are that damn cold, I can't fumble this pin.

I'll give you an issue of prunes presently.

And don't forget to keep the stones in your mouths.

My experience, it helps you to keep away the thirst.

I've just suddenly remembered something, Captain.

I was having, after the old ship got hit, I was having a route around the pantry and

found a few little items that may come in very, very handy.

Two bottles of beer.

Oh, that's good.

Very good indeed.

Two tins of sardines.

If you don't like the beer, you can get them oiled on there.

How's the patient doing forward there, Chippy?

Oh, he's not feeling too bad for now.

Oh, good.

Make him as comfortable as you can.

What happened to the other lads, by the way?

You tell them all about it, Bob.

You was there.

Oh, I was standing midships talking to the cook.

When she got the hammer.

Well, I run forward to get me pipe.

And that watch, you know, the missus bought me, I was telling her about it with

the old man's insurance money because I knew darn well if I didn't take that watch

home, she'd say, well, he sold it for beer.

So, anyhow, I got up and by the time I got up to the boat,

half of them was in the boat and the other half on the ladder.

And up popped Jerry.

I don't know what the hell was that.

I damn soon found out they opened up on him.

Fellas was dropping off the ladder into the water.

Seen the fellas in the boat falling down.

And just then she took a heave.

I must have caught my foot in something and I went down with her.

I was going down and down and down.

I could feel pressure on me here, in me ear.

I thought to myself, this is it.

And I think the boilers must have went.

And I shot up to the top and had my eyes open and I was looking up and could see

the sky getting brighter and brighter, you know, the top of the water.

And I come up to the top.

By God, I thought it was an early plane.

I run in there and come right out of the water.

And I looked around me.

All that was left was a few spots of oil.

Not a damn soul anywhere.

By God, I'd like to get a hold of a couple of them chaps.

I'd like to get all that dirty skunk with that machine gun.

I'd fix him.

Damn right I would.

Now, men, the position is this.

Things are not too good.

They could be a darn sight worse.

No SOS was sent out because the boilers had just blown to blazes.

From my last position, we're just about halfway across,

which is roughly a thousand miles from the nearest land.

Just told Jerry to work it out to make it nice and easy for you, eh, sir?

But that's only the gloomy side of the picture, though.

Don't forget this.

We're not far off the convoy routes.

And young Sparks there has a wireless set

which will send an SOS for about 200 miles.

Is that right, Duncan?

Aye, that's right, sir.

It's a fine reset.

It better be, because I have this on my jacket.

What have you decided to do, sir?

Make for Ireland.

Prevailing winds and part of the Gulf Stream should be in our favor.

Blimey, lads, he's making for Ireland, eh?

You think our tune is really necessary, boys?

Ha, ha, ha, ha.

Step the mast, lads.

Let's make a start.

I'm glad that salvation is free, is free.

I'm glad that salvation is free, is free.

Salvation is free for you and for me.

Well, Mr. Rogers, I'm away at the conference.

I'll be back in a couple of hours.

Aye.

How's your training?

Well, she's still down by the head two feet.

Bit pitty, you know.

Oh, well, we can't help it.

Nobody allowed ashore?

Aye.

Any cables to go?

Letters?

No, they've all gone.

Want anything?

No, thank you.

Very well.

Well, that's the last of the corridor, Chief.

Good.

Look at Griffith down there.

He's like an old broody hen with that gun of his.

Yeah, he's an old stickler too, Chief.

Didn't like his breech block, so he sent it back to the depot for a new one.

He said he only got one gun.

He was going to make damn sure it worked.

Let's hope he doesn't have to use the damn thing.

Hi, Sparks.

Where the hell are you?

Did you get the acid for your batteries?

Yes, coming aboard in about half an hour, Chief.

Remember my tobacco?

Yes.

Cost you half a buck.

Good.

I'll send you the first drink once you get home.

Right-o.

Same old racket.

Any idea when we sail, Chief?

Morning, probably.

The old man's at the conference now.

If you have small engine room defects, don't

try and carry the burden all to yourself.

Signal and tell me.

And I will see if it is possible to reduce the speed of the convoy so that you can

effect the necessary repairs without having to drop a stern and become a straggler.

Well, that's all I've got to say, gentlemen.

I'm very proud to be your Commodore, and I hope

that we shall have a fine and successful trip.

Are there any questions on that, gentlemen?

Yes, sir.

I'm not very happy about this reduction of speed.

My ship's already trimmed by the head, and I'm liable to

be very slow and sluggish on the helm in under six knots.

And with the deck tug I'm carrying, if there's a strong quarter of the wind,

I shall have a devilish job to keep stationed.

Well, Captain, I can assure you that we shall not

go slow speed for one minute long as necessary.

But if you find yourself yawing about, signal and

tell me, and then I'll let you know what to do.

Well, now, gentlemen, the senior officer of the escort will say a few words to you.

Good afternoon, gentlemen.

This is how you can help your escort.

Don't straggle or romp ahead, because I cannot afford to detach an escort for a

few ships and thus weaken the protection for the whole convoy.

I would like to support what your Commodore said about smoke.

Smoke has been known to give away the position of the convoy for 30 or 40 miles,

and do make a special effort to keep a clear funnel in the evening.

Because that is the time the U-boats may be closing in to get our course for the

night, and we shall be trying to put them down.

And our whole work may be ruined by one careless stoker.

If you spot a U-boat, give him all you've got.

Your splashes and your traces at night will act as a

good pointer, and you never know, you might hit it.

Finally, if a serious attack develops, do not let us forget this.

U-boat commanders don't sail in to attack with a happy heart.

For them it is a moment of extreme tension.

And if at the critical moment we can take every offensive action, we shall weaken

their resolution, and they will share off and not press home their attack.

Well, gentlemen, your escort will be doing their utmost to give

you a safe and timely arrival, but we need your assistance.

Are there any questions?

If there are no further questions, my executive officer will tell you a

little about the air support you'll get from our Army Air Force.

Well, gentlemen, from this side, you'll have Hudson

spotting U-boats for you for the first 600 miles.

From 600 to 800, you'll have Liberators and Flying Fortresses.

Now, it would be well for you to study the

silhouette of the Flying Fortress and the Focke-Wulf.

Because if you're unlucky enough and meet a

Focke-Wulf, it's well to know the difference.

Settling down all right?

Yes, cabin of my own, fine and comfortable here, sir.

Living like a prince, in fact.

Good.

Have a cup of tea while you're here, sir.

Yes, thank you.

I'll just rinse out the old cup.

It's all right, I'll have that.

Sure?

It's all right, isn't it?

Yeah, it's fine.

How many practice rounds have we got?

Ten, sir.

Good.

We'll use half of those tomorrow morning.

We're having a practice shoot.

Good.

How long do you reckon this trip's going to take, sir?

She should be home in about 16 days, I think.

16 days, sir?

That's running a bit close.

How's that?

It's my wedding anniversary in about 18 days' time, and I've been trying for the

last 20 years to get home and celebrate it.

And I've never succeeded yet, and it doesn't look like I'll show up this time.

Well, I'll see if I can speed the convoy up a bit for you.

Good, sir.

I wish you would.

It'd save me a lot of trouble if you did.

Lightly, so lightly, so lightly, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.

So lightly, so lightly, so lightly, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.

So lightly, so lightly, so lightly, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.

So lightly, so lightly, so lightly...

How do you feel now, boys?

A bit better?

Hell of a life, isn't it?

Won't be long now.

Only one more clean shirt.

No, well I'm that other one in a Persian beer garden.

How the hell does that go again?

Oh, aye.

Come baby Solomon, come Lilo, come you.

Come Lilo, come you.

Come baby Solomon, come Lilo, come you.

I couldn't have done much better meself.

But wake up, what the hell's the matter with you?

You just had your dinner, didn't you?

Didn't you enjoy your biscuit and your... what do they call them?

Malted milks.

Malted milks?

Blimey, I don't know.

You look like an accident looking for somewhere to happen.

Now, something Liverpool.

Oh, a German clockmaker to England once came.

Benjamin Snooks was that clockmaker's name.

He searched every street and he searched every lane.

And he rang on his old belle, any old clockmaker.

With my tootelahatant, tootelahatant, tootelahatantay.

Tootelahatan, tootelahatan, tootelahatantay.

With his tootelahatan, tootelahatan, tootelahatantay.

Toodle-a-dum, toodle-a-dum, toodle-a-dum-day.

Toodle-a-dum, toodle-a-dum, toodle-a-dum...

Damn it, I can't get it.

What have you got?

Dash, dash, dash, E, dash, T.

It's no use asking me, I haven't got that sort of a brain.

Read it out again.

Tameless fish and beheaded angler make a good catch.

Tell you what we want.

Spot of Bob Hope.

Fixed this thing yesterday.

Let's see if there's anything to do with it.

Hello, you blokes.

Hello.

You got anywhere the report's through today?

Not yet.

Closer, that's it, eh?

Music while you shirk.

Hello, Codfish.

William 305 calling Codfish.

Hey, that sounds interesting.

Will you test my reception?

Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z.

Are you getting this all right?

Over.

William 305, this is Codfish.

Receiving you loud and clear.

How am I?

Over.

Hello, Codfish.

William 305 answering.

You're a trifle wooly this morning.

Over.

Wooly, yes, but I wouldn't be without it.

How am I now?

Mm-hmm.

Hello, Codfish.

William 305 answering.

We're receiving you better now.

How's it all going?

Sure glad it's you and not me down there.

No stomach for your kind of life.

Over.

Oh, we're going fine.

Only just started.

K-R-P-T-R-O-X-Z at A-F miles, please.

Over to you.

Okay, fella.

Anything you say.

Good hunting.

Good luck.

Blessing on.

Now, let me see.

We had a fresh breeze last night.

We haven't got so much wind this morning.

We'll give it two and a half.

Two and a half will make it 60.

From our last position yesterday.

Well, that puts her here now.

Well, I suppose there's still years in this bloody ocean.

This will make a very good story for your paper, Mr. Russell.

You're telling me.

I hope I get it printed in time, though.

You know, this is quite a change for me.

I haven't done any sailing for years.

Well, it looks like you're going to have plenty of time to make up for it now.

Well, that's a lot for today.

I hope somebody hears us this time.

How about an encore, Sparks?

You never know who's listening.

Go on, Jock.

Another one for your knob.

Well, she'll be running for a couple of minutes.

We'll have to go easy on the batteries again.

They don't last forever.

Oh, I don't know, Sparks.

Have another shot.

It might just do the trick.

Oh, all right, sir.

You're not doing so badly, lad.

You've done 60 miles the last 24 hours.

At that rate, by the time we get home, beer will be half a dollar a blooming pint.

Hello, Beryl France.

Beryl France.

Are you all right?

You're straggling rather badly.

Try and do better.

We'll get up into station.

Three cables a stand with that chap ahead of you.

Not much happening.

Poor old thing.

I suppose she's doing her best.

It's a bit beyond her.

Try some French, sir.

French?

Have a heart, number one.

They might hear me.

Why not, sir?

I can encourage them a bit.

Well, if you try everything once, then you can stop a straggler.

Hello, hello, Beryl France.

Beryl France.

Si vous plaît, tenez votre position bien.

Beaucoup bien, mon ami.

Vous êtes tombé à derriere.

Avancez à trois câbles de votre...

Hello, what's the French for next to the head?

Have a break.

Prochain bazar, sir.

Of course, sir.

Avancez à trois câbles de votre prochain bateau.

Très bien.

For me, that's done it.

Not a bad effort.

Back it wasn't a fail, sir.

From the country, I mean.

From the country.

Christmas, look at that.

I warned them particularly about that at the conference.

Beryl France.

Beryl France.

Défense de Foumé.

Si vous plaît.

Défense de Foumé.

That's 18 days to go.

18, yes.

That'll be tight on the rations, chief.

Steward.

Yes, sir.

One dip per day.

Very good, sir.

Just about a gargle for each of us, lads.

I have an idea of prohibition setting.

All right, Boatswain, I'll take a spell now.

Okay, sir.

I'll have three times down the saloon deck.

Constitutional, eh?

My God, they're a good crowd, captain.

You'd think they were out on a pleasure cruise or something, wouldn't you?

Yes, but what will we be like after another 18 days of this?

That's the point.

Do you know the Irish coast, chief?

No, but I'm looking forward to it very much.

That's where the danger lies when we sight land.

Come around just fine.

Very treacherous coast, you know, right around there.

It rocks all along.

It's bound to be a bit of a sea running at this time of the year, too.

If we don't just strike a sheltered cove or

something like that, it'll be just too bad for us.

And that's that.

Well, what is it that makes you all go back to sea?

What's your reason, Fred?

I don't know, really.

Maybe it's because you always want something you haven't got.

You see, it's like this with me.

When I'm at home, I miss the sea.

When I'm at sea, I miss the missus.

In fact, between you and I, I don't know which I miss most.

Now, when I do come home from a trip, me and my old Dutch hit it off a treat.

But she just can't see me about the house too long.

And that goes for me, in a way.

Mind you, she's all right.

But we just seem to get on better apart, if you see what I mean.

I wonder what the old girl's doing now.

Probably standing in a queue for something.

There wouldn't be a woman in this war for anything.

Well, you may have lost your hat, Tom, but

believe me, I've almost lost the use of my legs.

Well, a shocker like he has, I wouldn't worry at all.

Well, Mirren, eh?

Well, I know what I'd be doing if I was at home now.

In fact, I know what we'd all be doing.

Tell me, Dusty, what the devil would you be doing?

140 now, going down to Fleet Street, walk into a local and get a tomato juice.

A what?

A bloody tomato juice?

You hear somebody talking about boozers?

Aye, the conversation is slowly returning to normal, Buck.

Still talking about boozers.

Anybody here know the lifeboat down at Poplar?

What wouldn't I give now for a nice pint there?

You can't be the whole of London, mate.

Best place in the world.

Nah, give me New York any day.

Go on, don't be daft.

Be your age, son.

Comparing New York with London.

Chalk up another day on the calendar.

That's the idea, Bob.

Whittle away the time for us.

It's a plane!

Get out those flares, somebody.

Quick!

You, Chief!

That thing must be above the clouds.

Can't spot us.

There it is!

Quick, hurry up with the flares.

I'm afraid not, Bob.

Just if it can hear us anyway.

No.

What can I get a better look at up there?

Never mind, lads.

That's a bit of a blow.

Don't get too downhearted about it.

May have more disappointments than that before we're finally picked up.

May as well settle down to that right now.

South 85 East, at a little port town.

Stylists say that you should keep your hair tidy.

Every hair in place, always well groomed.

Well, Anita hair lacquer is a must for controlling unruly hair.

Especially the ends around the neck.

Hence, it keeps your cocky.

Always expertly groomed.

This is the forces program.

Now, here's a short recital of gramophone records.

We're on the home stretch now, Bill.

You can always tell when you hear the old BBC.

Won't be long now.

I dare I get in the old battle at the turn of the night.

Where do you think we are?

In a lake or something?

Why the hell don't you dry up?

If you wasn't pulling, you'd be bloody well freezing.

Oh, pipe down, you old knob.

What's the matter?

Can't you be spoken to now?

Hey, can't a man get a little sleep on this damn boat?

You ought to be asleep in the deep.

You on your ballast, mate?

You 1942 sailors, you ought to be an ice cream merchant.

Ah, you're always moaning.

Can't be spoken to.

Oh, you tempered old uncle blubber.

Shut up, you, or I'll go you.

Stop, Roy.

Do you hear that, Chief?

Yes.

Those are diesels all right.

There's only one thing that can be.

A U-boat charging its batteries.

Douse that light forage, you damn fools.

Get rid of your cap, Chief.

We don't want them to find any officers here.

Can't say I fancy the idea of a trip on a U-boat.

Don't you flatter yourself.

If they sight us, they'll scupper the lot of us.

Why, if we're picked up tomorrow, we could give their position away.

They're not going to risk that.

Johnny, Johnny, take a...

What's the matter for it there?

It's unfrozen, sir.

He's not too good.

He's a bit delirious.

Well, suck him.

Knock him out, sir.

Stop it.

God bless my soul.

What a beautiful day.

Awful.

What are we down to now, Mr. Rogers?

Four knots, sir.

For God's sake, why?

What's on now?

One of them's having a spot of engine trouble.

It's the old Belfrance.

The whole convoy's eased up so that you can get fixed up.

That's what I'm going to think of all the time, this damn slowing down.

Damn and blast the Belfrance.

Shall I was in the starboard column in a minute.

And we'll be going right all over the place.

Take your helm, shall we?

Aye, aye, sir.

Who's 63, you say at the moment?

Uh, Leander.

Captain, sir?

No.

Navigator?

Leander, number 63, is all over the place, sir.

Looks as though she's almost out of control, sir.

Coming up.

Aye, aye, sir.

Watch him now, watch him.

You're off.

I know, sir.

Well, sir, she's got two and a half turns of port end and she won't answer.

Well, give her more help.

Well, I'll give her some more, but if I give

her too much, she won't be able to catch her.

Come, come, Mr. Rogers.

Bring the ship back on course, please.

She's not answering her helm, sir.

I haven't got a snowball's chance in hell of keeping station with these revs.

I'll have to give her more.

All right, bring her up one notch.

Aye, aye, sir.

Up again.

And you.

Uh, right down for the Commodore.

Uh, number 63, Leander, is in difficulties and appears unmanageable at this speed.

Uh, suggests she holds ahead of the convoy

tonight and rejoins again daylight tomorrow.

Got that?

Yes, sir.

Uh, Craig out quick.

We'll be ready to convoy tonight, so we'll have a collision on the way.

How's she now, Corlotta?

She's just beginning to feel it now, sir.

I think I can handle her at this.

I'm afraid it's no use, Mr. Rogers, at this speed.

We'll be turning down the next ahead in a minute.

She's as touchy to handle as an angry woman.

That four knots were helpless, and that five knots were a blasted menace.

We'll have to bring her down again.

Down ten.

There's only one thing for it, and that's to get the hell out of it.

Send a signal to the Commodore and tell him I can't steer at this speed.

And if I stay in the convoy overnight, I shall be a danger to all other ships.

I want permission to go ahead and rejoin in the

morning, or they won't answer for their consequences.

That's all right, sir.

Fine.

The Commodore welcomes your suggestion.

The rendezvous tomorrow is unchanged.

That suits me.

Full speed ahead, sir.

Full ahead, sir.

Hello, Chet.

How are you getting on?

Hello there, Griff, me old cop.

Come in, sit down.

Have a cup of tea.

Well, I'm out of idea, then.

There she is, on the go at last, eh?

And about time, too.

She's rolling around something awful.

Midships, midships.

Steady as she goes.

Steady as she goes.

Now, up between the line of ships.

She's all yours now.

Aye, aye, sir.

Ah, this is more like it, sir.

Well, what's it look like?

Nice little bunch of trouble, huh?

Yes, quite a little cluster.

H-4 will be getting into trouble soon, too.

Yes, we'll have to divert them.

I think if we bring her down somewhere like here, that seems to be all clear.

About 1-4-0?

Should do.

Then straight up for position Y.

Thompson, make a signal to Commodore and Senior Officer Escort H-4.

Repeat it to Admiralty and Group F.

Alter course force width to 1-4-0 degrees for 15 hours.

Then start direct for position Y.

This diversion means trouble ahead, upgrade.

Looks like it, sir.

We will get diverted just after sending Leandra ahead.

She must be 20 miles off by now.

Can't send her a signal.

Certainly can't afford an escort.

Hope she'll be all right, sir.

Well, she's got a good turn of speed.

Signalman, make a reply to Commodore.

Fully appreciate Leandra's position.

But I can't afford to send an escort when the convoy is threatened.

We'll have to gather up in the morning.

Take this, Captain.

She doesn't have a convoy, does she?

Not quite.

And I'm not afraid of a single one.

This is Lone Dog 9.

I will go over.

You can take over.

No, no, no.

I'll go myself.

I'll go.

Peggy.

Sparks, start sending.

Sparks!

Sparks!

Sparks!

Aye, sir.

Are you all right, lad?

Aye, sir, I'm all right.

Start sending.

What about the batteries, sir?

They're not so good.

Neither is Ross.

Start sending.

Runterbioskop!

Excuse me, Herr Captain.

That can't be enjoyed.

Good.

von Regenfels.

Schauen Sie mal her.

Wir haben soeben ein SOS-Ruf aufgefangen.

Geben Sie mir die Position.

55 Nord.

55 Nord.

17 West.

17 West.

Was ist der Rätsel, Herr Haupt?

Sie sind von unserer Position gesandt worden.

Wirklich?

Aber natürlich, das ist von unserem Freund da oben.

Ach, ich verstehe.

Damit ist unser ganzes Problem gelöscht.

Auf, Peggyskop!

Auf, Peggyskop!

Wie meinen Sie, Herr Captain?

Alles, was wir zu tun haben... Wir fassen auf das Rettungsschiff.

Dann haben wir ein sitzendes Ziel für unsere letzten zwei Torpedos.

Aha.

Ein perfekter Schöder.

Die Batterie ist fast leer, Herr Haupt.

Schauen Sie mal auf den Indikator.

Werden wir weiter schicken oder bleiben wir etwas im Reserve?

Weiter schicken.

Es ist jetzt oder nie für uns.

Ich habe Angst.

Ich auch.

Kein Zeichen, Herr Haupt.

Ich habe die Position dreimal überprüft.

Ich überprüfe es nicht mehr.

Wir waren heute Morgen auf dem Konvoi von Rondeau.

Wir sollten das Konvoi zumindest zwei Stunden zuvor gesehen haben.

Das ist kein Zeichen für den Konvoi, Herr Haupt.

Alles klar, Herr Haupt.

Bleiben Sie ruhig da draußen.

Echthofen kommt auf das Rettungsschiff, Herr Haupt.

Aktionsstationen!

Wo ist mein Tannenbaum?

Hier ist es.

Wo ist es?

Red 1-5-0, Herr Haupt.

Hier ist es.

Ich habe es.

Haben Sie es überhaupt?

Ich weiß es nicht, Herr Haupt.

Es könnte ein Katalit oder sogar ein Dornier sein.

Es ist kein Dornier, Herr Haupt.

Stopp das Abladen!

Es ist kein guter Tannenbaum.

Es ist besser, wenn Sie es nicht haben.

Ich rufe es jetzt auf.

Okay, holen Sie es auf und schauen wir, was passiert.

Ich bekomme das Zeichen, Herr Haupt.

Okay.

Was hat er geschickt?

Ich weiß es nicht, Herr Haupt.

Sag ihm ja.

Okay.

Lass uns wissen, was er geschickt hat.

Ich werde es dir anschauen.

Okay.

Rejoin!

Rejoin!

Konvoi!

Konvoi!

Position!

Position!

Herr Haupt, ist es der 14.

Tag?

Ich glaube, es ist.

Ich weiß es nicht.

Was zum Teufel ist die Veränderung zwischen dem 14.

und dem 28.

Tag?

Ich muss das alte Diarie auf den Tag halten, weißt du?

Ich habe es in meinem Leben mitgebracht, Herr Haupt.

Schau mich an, es ist mein Geburtstag.

Und es ist die Bangalove in Skopje.

Ja, viele glückliche Rücktritte in den Tag.

Vielen Dank, Herr Haupt.

Ja, sag mir etwas.

Es ist immer ein Glück für mich.

Ich habe meine Frau auf meinem Geburtstag getroffen.

Ja, das war ein Glück.

Und auf meinem Geburtstag, ein paar Jahre zuvor, zurück in die wunderschöne Dublin,

Kempten.

Und zwei Jahre zuvor, meine Mutter-Inlaw wurde evakuiert.

Gott, was für ein Geschenk.

Und ich denke, ich sehe alt aus.

Das werden wir heute abholen.

Warte.

Jetzt ist es vorbei.

Schauen wir mal, wie viel es kostet.

Halt dein Helm weg, Herr Hauptmann.

Ich halte es weg, Herr Hauptmann.

Nun, nun, nur noch ein paar Tage, Herr Hauptmann.

54, 17...

Halt!

Es ist Stress.

Es ist so fein, dass ich es kaum höre.

Das sollte man dem alten Mann nehmen.

Der Konvoi sollte um 4 Uhr da sein.

Wenn wir 120 auf 12 Knoten steuern, müssen wir um 5 Uhr da sein.

Herr Rogers?

Ja.

Was ist es?

Es ist Stress, Herr Hauptmann.

Es ist so fein, dass ich es kaum höre.

Es klingt, als ob die Batterien fast flach sind.

Danke.

Scheiße.

Es ist ein altes Schiff von Thomasson.

Er und ich haben es vor vielen Jahren geschickt.

Er ist ein alter Mann wie Thomasson.

Was ist seine Position?

55 Nord.

55?

Ja.

Wie lang ist es?

17 West.

Oh, mein Gott.

Es ist 30 Meilen entfernt.

Wir sind fast am Top.

Er ist ein guter Mann, Herr Hauptmann.

Das ist eine große Veränderung, Herr Hauptmann.

Wir sollten den Konvoi nie mehr mitnehmen, bevor sie die Nacht durchführen.

Und Gott weiß, wo sie am Morgen sein werden.

Verpiss den Konvoi.

Bring ihn zum Notarzt.

Ja, ja.

Kapitän.

Biefurbäderskop.

Biefurbäderskop.

Ameriksteuerwacht.

Ameriksteuerwacht.

Führerscheinzeichen.

Führerscheinzeichen.

Danke, Herr Hauptmann.

Das ist eine große Veränderung.

Wie geht es Ihnen?

Es geht mir gut.

Wie fühlt es sich an?

Nicht so schlecht.

Wie fühlt es sich an?

I must have dropped off.

Forwarder.

Give a sharp lookout.

We're looking for a lifeboat.

Immer noch nichts zu sehen, Herr Kapitän.

Das kann eine Frage von Tagen sein.

Nur Geduld.

Ich hoffe nicht.

Rundererspeerskop.

30 Meter.

30 Meter.

Ja.

Just half a dipper a day from now on to everybody, Stuart.

They must be somewhere around here, surely.

That all depends how accurate this position is.

Tantalizing, isn't it, John?

Tantalizing is right.

If only we knew there was nothing on the other

side of that horizon, things wouldn't be so bad.

But there may be something to get you down.

God, what a wilderness.

Right over the spot now, and if I know old Pop

Thomason, he won't be far out on his dead reckoning.

He must be around here, sir.

Let's go to another line.

Stay up, sir.

This old sailor's got nine lives.

Oh, you look as though you've got about eight quick ones left yet.

Have you got all the course?

No, we'll keep it going a little longer.

We may have drifted to the horizon.

Where the devil are they?

Five minutes' time or so, we might find them there.

Go on about, there is a ship.

Where?

Over there on the starboard quarter.

There you are, Tommy, old friend.

What did I tell you?

Don't be too sure.

It might be a German raider.

Don't be so pessimistic.

It's one of ours.

Get those flares out for it.

Slack away your gyp sheet.

We're going about.

Aye, aye, sir.

Oh, Frankie boy, that's the end of all our troubles.

You bet on the starboard bow, sir.

What's that?

That's all right, Al.

You'll be all right when we get you aboard that ship over there.

Get you in your bunk and a nice hot tot of rum.

Well, it was there.

I saw it.

Well, there's nothing there now, Alf boy.

You take it easy, mate.

You stop worrying about U-boats.

I tell you, I saw it.

It was planes of Pakistan.

You've probably been dreaming or something.

You'll be all right.

We'll have you fixed up in no time.

Now, for the last time, everybody, I tell you, I saw that U-boat.

Now, you can do what you like with it.

All right, Ross, don't worry any more about it.

Steady on with that light, Murdoch.

Douse it.

Douse it, sir?

We mightn't have been spotted.

It doesn't matter whether they've spotted us.

It's whether they've been spotted.

Douse it.

Dumb silly idea to me.

What the hell are you playing at, Captain?

You going to stop here the rest of your days?

Hold on, you gypsy.

Now, aren't you coming aboard?

No, I'm not.

Why the hell not?

Because I say so.

Well, if you won't come about and go after that ship

there, we'll bloody soon put somebody up there who will.

What do you say, lads?

I don't know about it, Captain.

Now, listen, everybody.

Do you realise what it means if Rorston did see a U-boat?

He's seen no bloody U-boat.

He's been raving for two days.

A whole lot of us would be raving if he carried on like that.

That's the way to talk, Pat.

Shut up, the whole damn lot of you.

Listen to me.

What you don't realise is, if Rorston saw that U-boat, and

there's plenty of them around here, that ship's as good as sunk.

Now, are you prepared to see that happen?

You, O'Malley.

Are you, Evans?

Are you too, Banner?

How would we feel if we let that ship come up and be sunk

in front of us, without us doing anything to prevent it?

Speaking for myself, I don't want to have it on my mind for the rest of my days.

But surely, it's a chance in a million a U-boat being out here.

Why, a U-boat can be anywhere these days.

He could have picked up our S.O.S.

the same as any other ship.

Isn't that right, Sparks?

Aye, sir.

I'm afraid it is.

Do you remember that U-boat we heard the other night?

He may have been shadowing us for days, just using us as bait.

This is the chance he's been waiting for.

You still don't know whether Rossum saw a U-boat or not.

Yes, it is possible he didn't.

Yet personally, I think he did.

Anyhow, we'll take no chances.

Chances, eh?

It's our lives you're taking chances with,

and we're not going to stand for it, you hear?

There you are, risking all our blooming lives, just

because a man, off his head, thought he saw a U-boat.

Twenty-four men in here, mister.

You speak for yourself.

Now, look here, Banner.

Are you ready to take chances with the lives in that ship?

You know what happened to your own shipmates in the Jason.

Do you want that to happen again?

It may do, you know, if we don't do something to stop it.

Well, are you with me?

With all you've brought us this far, Captain, I think we'll stick to the end.

Very well, then.

There's only one thing we can do, and that is carry on the way we're going.

If that U-boat spots us making for that ship, she's as good as gone.

Well, keep a sharp lookout all around for a periscope.

If any of you see one, for God's sake, don't point.

Just shout, periscope.

Then's our chance to fool them.

Stand up for it, and act as if you see a ship coming from over there.

That may just mislead them long enough to let us get a signal through.

Now, is that clear to everybody?

Aye, aye, sir.

Trust those sausage-eating skunks to think of something dirty and rotten like that.

My God, Alf was right.

Periscope!

Now's our chance to put him off the trail.

Plenty of waving in the hands and pointing right ahead.

Hello, here's something.

We're two points off the bow.

Yes, it's a red sail.

Give me that telescope, please.

That's them all right, thank God.

Not far off the position, either.

It's a fine bit of navigation there.

Good old Tommy.

That means he's in that boat all right.

He's one of the finest navigators I know.

Stop it a little for the master.

Then our last two torpedoes, well targeted.

And then home, right?

Periscope down!

Hello,

there's something wrong here.

They're sailing in the wrong direction.

They've over-spotted us.

Shall I give them two or three blasts?

By all means, Mr Rogers.

Give them three cheers and a whistle.

Put the joy of life into them.

All right, all right, we can hear you.

Making more noise than a duck full of tux.

Don't go any funny on it, eh?

We've been in this boat 14 days, waiting to be rescued,

and the old boat comes along, we don't want it.

Funny how it goes, isn't it?

She's coming up on us all the time.

Why don't you use the flares again, Captain?

Don't risk it, Chief.

They take it for the odd distress signal.

Now, the only thing to do is to try and flash a signal through.

You have a chance in a million of getting a signal through that way, Captain.

Even that's worth taking.

There's nothing else we can do.

Hurry up with that canister, Tom.

Get up, Tom, and you, Curtis, shield me on this side.

Damn that sun.

That sun's gone for half an hour more now.

Give it to me.

I don't plan to go too far ahead, Captain.

I'm rarely wrong, Mr. Revenveld.

Hot starboard.

Hot starboard.

Course 3 and 5.

Course 3 and 5.

Autopay is go.

Backboard full of gas.

What the devil are they playing at?

They're still heading in the wrong direction.

Probably too exhausted to keep a good lookout.

Give them two more trips in the vessel.

Aye, aye, sir.

You, Bane, and you, Alexander, hack that boat hook in two.

Tie those two blanket containers onto the halves.

And the U-boat commander would be a damn fool if he hasn't started it by now.

The only thing we can do is to make current.

And semaphore.

Stand by, everybody.

I'm going to go round.

Aha, they've seen us at last.

They're coming about.

About time, too.

God, I'd like to see the faces of those chaps now.

Well, we've dealt with them directly.

I'll fetch around on the port side and get them what lever is.

Mr. Thompson!

Slip down below and see your ladder fixed on the port side with a heaving line.

Tell the cook to heat up some broth.

And have those bunks all ready for those men.

Aye, aye, sir.

Start sending.

U-boat to starboard, keep clear.

Hmm, they're waving, I think.

God, they must be really poor devils.

Looks as if they're trying to signal.

Quartermaster, hand me that telescope, will you?

Aye, aye, sir.

Thank you.

Blimey, they've stopped now.

Are they getting of it at all?

No, they'd stopped before I got them into focus.

But it's pretty obvious what they're trying to tell us.

I think we can take it as read.

Don't you buy it for the kids?

Yes.

If you want to put it away then, it'll be worn out by the time you get home.

Blimey, we want a breakdown gang of you already, eh?

It wouldn't surprise me, Bill, if the nipple never sees this.

Poor devils, I know how they feel.

Two days of it was enough for me.

Oh well, we'll soon have them pay for your board now.

Keep a look out up here for a couple of minutes, will you?

Sure.

It shan't be long.

I'm on the cad, you guy.

What do you want?

Got a bit of waste you don't.

Mine's all wet through.

Well, go down to the lower feet and get it on the starboard side shelf there.

Thanks very much.

Aye, aye.

Prepare or acquire.

Prepare or acquire.

Portafail scope.

Room to pay your scope.

Right at my door.

Well, it won't be long now.

Portafine quartermaster.

Check it up in the chart.

Hello, they're standing again.

A...

T...

Achtung!

U...

D, I've got it.

You go.

Well, I'll just have it.

Get it on.

Come on.

So... Fire!

Get it over, for God's sake.

Lively!

Fire!

Stop it, it's a starboard!

Here comes another one!

Fire!

Well, that's that.

We've done our best, anyhow.

I'm all right.

Anybody help below us?

All this help depends on all the help.

That's the least of our troubles.

Rogers, do you think that second torpedo came from the same submarine or not?

Looks like the same one to me, sir.

Whether there's one or more, they'll probably hand us another one in a minute.

Maybe you're right.

Hurry, stand by the boat.

Let go of the latchings.

Rogers, slip down and see what the damage is.

I'll get hold of the chief on the phone inside.

Hello, Captain speaking.

Guns crew closed up and cleared away, sir.

Is there any sign of it at all?

I don't know where it is.

Somewhere ahead.

You stand by that gun and give them all you've

got and don't wait for the order to fire.

Roger, sir.

Hello!

The British have no more idea than we have, so keep a sharp lookout, everybody.

What is it?

There's a hole here.

You could drive a blasted bus through.

I've got one and two holes, sir.

Aye, aye.

Hello, Sparks speaking.

Better get the old panic crank back.

Yes, sir.

Take this down, Dick.

Latitude 55-0-3-North, 17-0-2-West.

Request assistance with tugs.

Don't get my stuff, Dick.

Yes, sir.

Well,

what do you think?

Well, everything depends on those spotter bulkheads, sir.

If they're going to give the whole ship a quarter of an hour.

Quarter of an hour?

A quarter of a minute?

They've got to shoot another one into us.

There's no point in waiting for it.

The best thing to do is get the men off the boats and stand off for further orders.

I'd like you to stay here with me because

I'm not going to abandon ship till I have to.

There's no point in keeping these men on the ship till

we find out what that new boat's going to do with us.

Hello, Chief.

How's the ship, Captain?

Pretty badly, Chief.

How are your engines?

Well, the engines are making water for the

number one pump line, but I think we can hold it.

How many men do you want down there?

Oh, the second engineer and I can handle it, sir.

Right.

Send all the others away in the boats.

I'll get right away in the pumps.

Good man.

Horace, get your boats away.

Have a look at those boat heads again, sir.

Any reply to our signal, Sparks?

Yes, sir.

A message has just come through from Port Patrick.

Good, I'll do it here.

Now, both on the boats in the meantime, get that jacket on, young men.

Yes, sir.

That's the first time I've sent a message this far.

You're a damn sight lucky as most of us.

He's going to have a cold trip.

Mr. Thompson, get your guns crew into the boats, pull away

for a quarter of a mile and stand by for further instruction.

Okay, Horace.

Leave the guns upstairs at the bannership station.

Aye, aye, sir.

Are you all here?

No, the ship is missing, Chief.

Anyone seen him?

No, Chief.

I only just come up.

Vinnie and I were up on the platform about a half an hour ago and he was there then.

Anyone look in his cabin?

No, Chief.

No, I don't mind.

Mr. Thompson, take them all to the boats and pick up your life jackets on the way.

Get all the forms in his cabin.

Griffith!

Griffith!

Griffith!

Anyone home from ship?

I hope you're there.

Sound number two, will you?

Roger.

Griffith!

Griffith!

Griffith!

Ho!

Up top!

Up top!

Move!

Get me out of here!

Get in here!

Get me out!

Help me!

I'm trapped!

Mein Gott, was würde ich jetzt für ein Torpedo zahmen.

Griffith!

Griffith, is that you?

Yes, sir!

What do we do now, Ken?

Stand clear, I'll have you out in no time.

I am!

Coming!

Coming!

Get down, Griffith.

Is that you boat circling?

Come on, this way.

Let's get along to that gun.

Just the chance I've been wanting for years.

Come on, what are we waiting for?

This way.

Versuchen Sie, Frau Rebentholtz.

Quick down, Griffith.

I'll find out where she is.

Look out, I don't see you, sir.

Come on, we haven't seen this way, Griffith.

She's right there at the door.

Up here.

Keep behind the tank, Griffith.

She's coming around on the fourth quarter.

Now, watch out.

Here she comes, sir.

Here she comes.

We crawl along the gun platform.

We can't be seen then.

You notice the tray was loaded, sir?

Well, I hope that means a loaded gun.

I wonder what they're going to do.

The odds are she's going to serve us, sir.

Or she's let us have another fish long before now.

Well, there's nothing we can do about it while that periscope's showing.

All we've got to do is wait.

Oh, I'm used to that, sir.

This reminds me of old times.

I had a couple of years in a cube boat from the last war.

Look at that periscope.

Look, it's going down, sir.

It's going down.

Right.

It's gone.

Is this gun loaded?

Yes, it's loaded, all right.

We'll unload the train, please.

They jump out when we fire.

What do you reckon the range is?

About 400 feet.

I'll give her 600 deflection to her right.

That do?

Well, I'd say about 50 yards ahead of the last periscope, sir.

That should about do it.

God, what a spitter if she comes up.

Should be, if we're any good.

God, here she comes.

Keep back.

Won't be long now.

Won't be long.

It's the first one out of the conning tower now, they look.

Come on, Griff.

Let's bang away at her now.

No, it's no good, sir.

She'll crash down before we get to the range.

We do.

We've got to wait until that gun screw gets out.

Here, eyes more up now.

Looks like they're going to mount a machine gun there, sir.

I think the time's come.

I'll give it on.

On, on, on, on, on.

I'll give it on.

On, on, on, on, on, on.

I'll give it on.

Damn to all the bravos out there.

Hush, hush, you hooligans.

What's the matter with you?

Bring that gun to fire.

MG, take out the gunners.

Quick.

Hush, hush, you hooligans.

Quick.

Quick, quick, with that gun.

It's only a matter of seconds.

MG, bring the gunners to fire.

It's a matter of lives.

Hush, hush, you hooligans.

He's here, he's on there.

Fire.

You'll do it.

Righto, Griff.

Fire.

We got that one, old man.

Good.

Tell the wife, we really like that wedding anniversary.

Fine work, chaps.

Extremely good shooting.

Congratulations.

Hello.

Is Griff hurt?

He is.

Oh, I'm sorry, Rogers.

Fish calling.

I got a message for you.

I want you to search for Rumpa, SS Leander, number 63.

She'll be well out to the northeast.

Well, well, Tom.

Glad to meet you again.

Well, Jack, you of all people after all these years.

I'm sorry you didn't get my signal.

If we hadn't got it, we'd have got two defenders instead of the one.

The four peaks we're at now, still.

Things could be much worse.

If that bulkhead holds, we're all right.

I've sent some thugs.

We may not need them.