We sail in convoy on the day after tomorrow; that is to say, if the
crew condescend to fuel the boat in time. Three looters were executed
to-day in the dockyard and this has had a steadying effect on the worst
elements.
* * * * *
I went on board 122 to-day, and on showing my authority which was
signed by the Council (which has now become the Council of Soldiers,
Sailors and Workmen), the crew of the boat held a meeting at which I
was not invited to be present.
At its conclusion the coxswain came up to me and informed me that a
resolution had been carried by seventeen votes to ten, to the effect
that I was to be obeyed as Captain of the boat.
I begged him to convey to the crew my gratification, and expressed the
hope that I should give satisfaction.
I am afraid the sarcasm was quite lost on them.
* * * * *
We are within sixty miles of Harwich and I expect to sight the English
cruisers any moment.
I wrote some days ago that I was incapable of any emotion.
I was wrong, as I have been so often during the last two years.
In fact, I have come to the conclusion that I am no psychologist--I
don't believe we Germans are any good at psychology, and that's the
root reason why we've failed.
I do feel emotion--it's terrible; the shame--the humiliation is
unbearable.
I wonder how the English will behave? What a day of triumph for them.
The signalman has just come down and reported British cruisers right
ahead; it will soon be over.
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