Next day I visited U.122, and these papers are presented to the public,
with such additional remarks as seemed desirable; for some curious
reason the author seems to have omitted nearly all dates. This may have
been due to the fear that the book, if captured, would be of great
value to the British Intelligence Department if the entries were dated.
The papers are in the form of two volumes in black leather binding,
with a long letter inside the cover of the second volume.
_Internal evidence has permitted me to add the dates as regards the
years. My thanks are due to K. for assistance in translation_.
ETIENNE.
* * * * *
The Diary of a U-boat Commander
One volume of my war-journal completed, and I must confess it is dull
reading.
I could not help smiling as I read my enthusiastic remarks at the
outbreak of war, when we visualized battles by the week. What a
contrast between our expectations and the actual facts.
Months of monotony, and I haven't even seen an Englishman yet.
Our battle cruisers have had a little amusement with the coast raids at
Scarborough and elsewhere, but we battle-fleet fellows have seen
nothing, and done nothing.
So I have decided to volunteer for the U-boat service, and my name went
in last week, though I am told it may be months before I am taken, as
there are about 250 lieutenants already on the waiting list.
But sooner or later I suppose something will come of it.
I shall have no cause to complain of inactivity in that Service, if I
get there.
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