Chapter 294: The Submarine's End
"Emergency surface!" Captain Hersing shouted, his voice trembling with fear. "Now!"
German officers like Hersing knew when a fight was lost and didn't hesitate to surrender to save their crew. But under the sea, there was no way to signal a surrender, and Hersing didn't even know what kind of weapon was attacking them. If he could raise a white flag, the destroyers above might cease their assault.
In the absence of any such option, Hersing ordered the U-21 submarine to surface while moving at full speed to minimize the time spent below. However, three destroyers above them were aligned in a row, patrolling at 9.5 knots while dropping depth charges to ten-meter depths at regular intervals behind them.
The outcome was predictable.
As Hersing gave the order to destroy the encrypted radio codes and confidential documents in preparation for surrender, the submarine shook violently with two deafening explosions. Seawater poured into the vessel, accompanied by the terrified cries of the crew.
With a deep sigh, Hersing knew it was over. They wouldn't even have a chance to surrender.
...
As the sun broke over the horizon, its golden rays transformed the sea from darkness to a clear blue. The Gallia battleship continued bombarding enemy positions on V Beach, but nearly every crew member, including Captain Meyer, was focused on the three destroyers in pursuit of the submarine. Each destroyer dropped barrel-like explosives, which detonated underwater with columns of spray and white-bellied fish floating in the aftermath.
"What are they doing?" the deputy captain scoffed. "Do they think they can hit a submarine this way? They might as well be fishing!"
Snickers could be heard from the surrounding crew members. To them, the crude-looking explosives seemed too primitive to damage a submarine. But Meyer watched the scene intently through his binoculars, keenly observing the destroyer crew's work.
Finally, Meyer lowered the binoculars and turned to his deputy. "If this is Charles's invention, do you still think they're just fishing?"
The deputy didn't reply. Charles's reputation for invention was well-known. But despite Charles's skill, the deputy's face still held a trace of skepticism. Naval warfare, he thought, was far more advanced than the army's use of mere grenades or simple explosives.
Just then, a shout broke through their musings. "Look—oil on the water! That's submarine fuel—they've sunk it!"
A cheer erupted among the crew, but the deputy captain hesitated. A bit of oil on the surface didn't guarantee that the submarine had been destroyed.
Moments later, debris began floating to the surface—books, boxes, backpacks, and, finally, a few bodies. The cheers grew louder as the entire ship's crew saluted the destroyers in gratitude.
"Good job! You've taught those Germans a lesson!"
"Well done—you've rid us of a major threat!"
This victory indeed carried strategic significance. The threat of that one German submarine had kept Allied battleships from supporting the landing troops, hampering the overall operation.
...
Tijani was overjoyed, practically dancing with excitement as he hugged Charles and planted a celebratory kiss on his cheek. "We did it! You're amazing, Colonel! Incredible!"
Charles wiped his face, visibly put off, and considered keeping a bit more distance from Tijani in the future.
"What's our next move?" Tijani asked, eyes still sparkling with excitement, clearly eager to press the attack and land on the beach.
"What do you mean?" Charles replied, calmly. "We're done for today—time to head back."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Tijani's face, but he nodded and relayed the order.
...
Meanwhile, Admiral Robeck was in the dining room aboard the Queen Elizabeth, enjoying breakfast with Captain Forbes. Their meal was modest—steak, red wine, caviar, and some fresh fruit—but it was a luxurious spread compared to what the soldiers received, as even water and bread were rationed on the front lines.
"Do you think Charles will successfully land at V Beach?" Forbes asked, expertly cutting his steak.
"I'm not sure," Robeck replied, shaking his head. "It's complicated. Sometimes I want him to succeed; other times, I hope he doesn't."
Forbes nodded, understanding the admiral's conflicting feelings. If Charles succeeded, it would imply that the French were outperforming the British. But if he failed, the Allied forces would remain bogged down, risking heavy losses against Ottoman counterattacks.
After a moment's thought, Forbes suggested, "If the Queen Elizabeth could provide artillery support, I believe we'd have a good chance…"
"No," Robeck interrupted, firm in his decision. "The Germans still have submarines in these waters. With that threat, the Queen Elizabeth cannot be risked."
He added with emphasis, "The Queen Elizabeth is the pride of the British Royal Navy—a symbol of our nation. It must never be exposed to danger."
"Yes, Admiral," Forbes replied obediently.
Robeck had reiterated this stance multiple times. The loss of the Queen Elizabeth would devastate Allied morale and be a humiliating blow to British prestige.
Just then, Lieutenant O'Connell burst into the dining room, his face alight with excitement. "Admiral! He's done it—he succeeded!"
Robeck looked at him, puzzled. It had only been an hour since the Gallia began firing. Could Charles have already landed?
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