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Updated: June 1, 2025
Directly opposite the U-16 there was a terrible explosion, a blinding flash, illumining the night like day. A German submarine had launched a torpedo and it had gone home. The foremost British torpedo boat had been destroyed. But the others rushed on.
Shortly after dusk of the night upon which the German under-sea fleet expected to spring its coup, the U-16 lay upon the calm surface of the water still some distance from the point set for the gathering of the submarine flotilla at the midnight hour, and likewise a considerable distance from Dover.
"U-16," answered Lord Hastings, who had gone through the former commander's papers carefully, "Bernstorff, commanding." "Bernstorff," came the surprised response. "Where is Captain Tarlenhein?" "If you will come aboard, I will explain," shouted Lord Hastings. "Very well." A few moments later a small boat left the side of the other vessel and came toward the U-16.
It tilted gradually to one side and then suddenly turned over. The occupants were thrown into the water and disappeared beneath it. Soon heads bobbed up here and there and pitiful cries were borne across the water to the U-16. A second small boat, launched in haste, met the same fate, as did a third. The panic aboard the liner became more acute.
"Pick twelve men of the crew and have them ready to go aboard the U-16 with Captain Bernstorff here," he commanded. The officer saluted and withdrew. "Now, is there anything further I can do for you?" asked Von Rosten. "Nothing, thank you," replied Lord Hastings, "and, with your permission, as soon as Davis is freed of his shackles and the men are ready, I shall return to my own vessel.
With mine nets stretched clear across the river, now that the U-16 had passed to safety, the torpedo boats dashed ahead; and an hour later four more German submarines, caught in these powerful nets, were helpless. It only remained to drag them to the surface and make prisoners of the crews, which work was deferred until daylight.
It may not be so easy to get ashore without being sent to the bottom by one of our own ships or forts." "Very well," replied Lord Hastings. "You may give the word to proceed at eighteen knots, Mr. Templeton." Jack gave the order, and the U-16 moved off in the night. Having obtained Lord Hastings' permission, Frank and Jack decided to turn in.
"But he died as a loyal servant of the Emperor. I shall explain." "If you will," said the young German. "Under command of Captain Tarlenhein," said Lord Hastings, "the U-16, as you may possibly know, has been in the Irish Sea, and, at one time or another, off the mouth of the Thames. Whether you knew it or not, Captain Tarlenhein also carried a number. There was work to be done in England.
"Commanding H.I.S. U-16: "Proceed immediately, under command of Admiral Schuler, to Dover Bay, joining submarine flotilla there, to proceed to the Thames for attack British fleet. Flotilla to gather mile off Dover, midnight, Thursday. "I should say that is plain enough," said Lord Hastings, looking up. "Rather, sir," agreed Frank. "All we have to do is to be at a certain spot at a certain time."
"Ready to join us in another desperate mission?" "Yes. Ready any time." "Good. Remain where you are. We start within the hour. Your instructions will be sent to you." Lord Hastings signified that he understood and the light on the other vessel was flashed off, leaving the U-16 in darkness again. "Now what do you suppose is up, sir?" asked Frank eagerly.
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