In the depths of the ocean, the crew of U-96 will face their greatest fears and betrayals in the fight for survival.
Watch the original version of Das Boot
Prologue:
The sea was calm, reflecting the pale moonlight, as a German submarine slowly surfaced. The U-96, a Type VIIC U-boat, had just completed a successful mission, sinking an Allied steamer. The euphoria of the crew was short-lived, as an enemy destroyer appeared on the horizon, signaling danger. The submarine quickly dove under the waves, and the men braced themselves for what was to come.
Chapter 1:
The U-96 left La Rochelle, France, on a gray, bleak morning in the winter of 1941. The men aboard were a mix of veterans and newcomers, anxious to get underway. Among the crew was a young lieutenant, Werner, who was eager to prove himself to his fellow officers and men. He had a civilian background, having worked at a newspaper before joining the Kriegsmarine, and was still learning the ins and outs of submarine warfare.
As the U-96 sailed out to sea, the environment was tense. The veteran sailors were not entirely thrilled to be serving under a fresh-faced officer, considering the dangerous missions they would be embarking on. The first few days of the journey were uneventful, with the crew settling into their routine and the humdrum of submarine life becoming slightly more bearable. Lieutenant Werner struggled to gain the respect of his men, but he tried to make up for his lack of experience by studying the intricacies of submarine warfare and showing his dedication to their mission.
But everything changed when they finally spotted their first target. A British steamer, loaded with valuable cargo and personnel, was making its way across the choppy waters of the Atlantic. The mood on the submarine shifted in an instant, as the crew became alert and prepared for battle. The U-96 closed in on the unsuspecting ship, and the order was given to fire. Torpedoes shot out from the submarine, like deadly harpoons. And then, the sound of the explosion…
The crew erupted in cheers, overjoyed at their victory. But the adrenaline soon wore off as the realization sunk in – they were not alone. An enemy destroyer was closing in on them, intent on eliminating the threat that had just taken down one of their ships. The U-96 quickly dove, plunging into the depths of the ocean. The men were on edge, unsure of what would happen next. Lieutenant Werner was frantically trying to assess the situation and come up with a plan, but the pressure was mounting.
As they waited in silence, the sound of depth charges began to fill their ears. The crew was thrown around the submarine, as the explosions reverberated through the hull. The tension was palpable, and it seemed like the end was near. But as quickly as it had started, the attack ceased, and the U-96 was safe once more.
The crew was relieved, but the experience left them shaken. They had survived their first encounter with the enemy, but at what cost? As they resumed their mission, the men began to realize the true danger of their situation. They were a German submarine, facing off against a well-equipped and well-trained enemy force. The odds were not in their favor. But they had no choice but to press on, determined to succeed and survive, no matter the cost.
Chapter 2:
The sun had barely risen over the choppy waters of the Atlantic when the crew of U-96 spotted their first target. A British steamer, moving slowly through the waves, presented an easy target for the German submarine. Lieutenant Werner, who had only recently taken command of the vessel, watched nervously as his crew prepared to strike.
The order was given, and the torpedo was launched. The crew erupted into cheers as they watched the ship explode and sink below the waves. But their elation was short-lived, as the sound of an approaching destroyer filled the air.
Panic set in among the crew as they scrambled to prepare for the oncoming attack. The men rushed to their stations, desperately trying to outpace the enemy vessel. But the destroyer was gaining ground, its guns trained on the vulnerable U-96.
Lieutenant Werner struggled to maintain his composure, barking orders at his crew as they dodged and weaved through the turbulent waters. The men were tense and on edge as they waited for the enemy to strike.
Suddenly, there was a loud explosion as a depth charge slammed into the water, sending shockwaves rippling through the submarine. The crew jolted forward, their teeth rattling in their heads as they struggled to maintain their footing.
The bombardment continued, each subsequent charge bringing the submarine closer to destruction. The crew worked frantically, trying to repair the damage and keep the vessel afloat. Lieutenant Werner barked out commands, his voice hoarse with fear and exhaustion.
But the situation looked grim. The hull was damaged, and water was seeping in. The men could feel the submarine sinking lower and lower into the water. The sound of wrenching metal echoed through the submarine as it was pelted with more depth charges.
The men were in a panic as they desperately tried to save themselves from drowning. The submarine was filling quickly with water, and they knew that they had to act fast. The crew frantically pumped out water and patched holes, hoping against hope that they could escape the clutches of the enemy.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the depth charge attacks ceased. The submarine had survived, but it was badly damaged. The crew breathed a collective sigh of relief, their hearts pounding in their chests.
But the danger wasn’t over yet. With the submarine crippled and vulnerable, the enemy could strike again at any moment. The men worked tirelessly to repair the damages, knowing that their lives depended on it.
The tension on board U-96 was palpable as the crew waited for the next attack. They were exhausted, dehydrated, and hungry, with the constant threat of death hanging over their heads. Yet they soldiered on, determined to survive and continue the fight.
As the day wore on, the sound of the enemy’s engines faded into the distance. The crew of U-96 had survived their first major test of the war, but they knew that there would be many more to come. As they continued on their mission to hunt down Allied ships, they were constantly reminded of the dangers that lurked beneath the waves.
Chapter 3:
Lieutenant Werner had thought that the mission would be a simple one – hunt Allied ships and sink them. But as the days turned to weeks, he began to realize that life aboard the U-96 submarine was far from straightforward. The crew was a motley bunch, with different nationalities and backgrounds, and they often found themselves at odds with one another. The cramped, dark quarters of the submarine did little to help matters, and morale among the men was low.
Werner knew that he needed to take control of the situation, and fast. He called a meeting with his officers to discuss their options. They were running low on supplies, and had yet to sink any major ships. Some of the men had begun to lose faith in their captain’s leadership, and he knew that he had to prove himself.
“We need to sink something big,” he said, looking around at his officers. “Something that will restore our morale and show the Allied forces what we are capable of.”
The officers exchanged wary glances, but they knew that he was right. They needed a win, and they needed it soon.
The next day, U-96 came across a convoy of British ships. Werner knew that this was their chance. He ordered the crew to prepare for attack, and they braced themselves for the battle ahead.
The attack was fierce and bloody. The U-96 launched torpedoes at the British ships, tearing through the hulls and sinking them one by one. But as the crew celebrated their victory, they suddenly found themselves under attack.
An Allied destroyer had spotted them, and began to chase them down. Panic set in among the crew as they scrambled to outmaneuver the enemy. The submarine raced through the water, dodging torpedoes and gunfire.
Werner watched from the periscope, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that if they were caught, it would mean certain death for all of them. The crew worked together, using every trick in their arsenal to throw off the enemy’s pursuit.
After what felt like an eternity, the destroyer disappeared from view. The U-96 had managed to outsmart their pursuers, but the cost had been high. The crew was exhausted, and several men had been injured in the attack. Werner knew that he needed to keep their spirits up if they were to continue the mission.
“Good work, men,” he said, his voice ringing out over the intercom. “We showed them what we’re made of. And now, we continue on – stronger and more determined than ever.”
The crew cheered, some of them clapping Werner on the back. For a moment, it seemed like the mission might still be salvageable. But the reality of their situation soon set in. They were running low on supplies and morale was still low. Werner knew that he had his work cut out for him if he was to keep the crew together and complete their mission.
Chapter 4:
The ocean was calm, and the sky was clear as the crew of U-96 prepared for their next mission. They had received intelligence on a heavily guarded convoy, and the men knew that this would be their greatest challenge yet. The excitement was palpable among the crew as they eagerly anticipated the upcoming battle.
Lieutenant Werner watched as his men worked tirelessly to prepare the submarine for the mission. He knew that they were working under immense pressure, and he admired their determination and skill. As a young and inexperienced captain, he felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, but he was determined to lead his crew to victory.
As the convoy came into view, the crew of U-96 sprang into action. They maneuvered the submarine into position, and the men waited anxiously for the order to attack. Suddenly, the sea erupted in chaos as the first torpedoes were launched.
The crew cheered as they watched the ships sink one by one. Their excitement quickly turned to panic, however, as they realized that they had been detected by the enemy. The crew worked tirelessly to avoid the enemy’s depth charges, but the explosions grew closer and closer.
Lieutenant Werner knew that they had to act quickly if they were going to survive. He ordered the crew to execute an emergency dive, and the submarine plunged deep below the surface of the ocean. The men held their breath as they waited for the explosions to stop, praying that their submarine would hold up against the pressure.
Hours passed, and the crew of U-96 remained submerged, waiting for the all-clear signal before they could resurface. Tensions were high as the men waited, uncertain of their fate. As the hours ticked by, the crew grew increasingly restless and irritable.
As they waited, the reality of their situation began to set in. The noise of the depth charges had taken a toll on their submarine, and several systems were malfunctioning. The crew worked tirelessly to repair the damage, but they knew that their time was running out.
Finally, the all-clear signal sounded, and the submarine slowly rose to the surface. The crew emerged, exhausted and shaken, but relieved to have survived the attack. They scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of the enemy, but the sea was empty.
As the crew began to take stock of their situation, they realized that the battle had taken a heavy toll on their submarine. The damage was extensive, and several critical systems were offline. The men worked tirelessly to repair the damage, but they knew that they were in a race against time.
Days passed as the crew worked to fix their damaged submarine. Morale was low, and tensions ran high as the men struggled to cope with the reality of their situation. They could feel the weight of the war bearing down on them, and they knew that they were living on borrowed time.
Finally, the repairs were complete, and the crew of U-96 prepared to return to port. The journey was long and treacherous, but the men were determined to make it back alive. As they sailed towards home, they were left to reflect on the toll that the war had taken on them and the devastating consequences of their actions.
The crew of U-96 had experienced the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, but they had also seen the true horrors of war. They had been pushed to their limits and had come out the other side changed forever. As they sailed towards home, they knew that they would never forget the experiences they had shared onboard their submarine, and the bond that they had formed would last a lifetime.
Chapter 5: Struggling with Morality
As the war stretches on, the crew of U-96 is forced to confront the harsh realities of their actions. The men struggle to maintain their humanity amidst the violence and death that surrounds them. They are far from home, confined to the claustrophobic confines of the submarine, and their mission is taking a heavy toll on their emotions.
Lieutenant Werner is acutely aware of the psychological impact that their actions are having on the crew. He observes the men closely, watching for signs of distress, and doing what he can to keep their spirits up. But even he is struggling to reconcile the violence of the mission with his own sense of morality.
One night, as the crew is lying in their bunks, Werner hears a commotion in the corridors. He hurries to investigate and finds two men fighting. One of them is shouting that he can’t take it anymore, that he can’t keep killing innocent people. The other is trying to calm him down, telling him that they have a duty to their country, that they’re just following orders.
Werner intervenes, separating the two men and trying to mediate the situation. He knows that this kind of dissent could tear the crew apart, and he’s determined to keep the peace. But as he listens to the men’s arguments, he realizes that he shares some of their doubts.
He can’t help but question the morality of their actions. Are they really doing the right thing? Is it worth the lives that they’re taking? These thoughts weigh heavily on Werner’s mind, and he begins to wonder if he’s fit to lead the men.
The crew’s morale deteriorates further as they continue to hunt for Allied ships. The men grow increasingly irritable and short-tempered, and bicker amongst themselves. Some begin to drink heavily, trying to drown out the horrors of their mission.
Werner does his best to keep the men focused, but he knows that his leadership is being tested. He’s aware that some of the men no longer respect him, that they see him as weak and ineffective. He tries to rally them, to remind them of the importance of their mission, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult.
One day, as U-96 is cruising through the Atlantic, they come across a small fishing boat. The crew debates what to do with it, and eventually decide to sink it. But as the submarine’s torpedoes find their target, something goes wrong. The fishing boat explodes in a ball of fire, sending debris flying in all directions.
The crew watches in horror as the explosion kills not only the boat’s crew, but several dolphins that had been swimming nearby. The sight of the dead dolphins is too much for one of the crew members, who breaks down in tears. The others stare at him in stunned silence, unsure of how to react.
Werner is devastated by the incident. He knows that this is not what he signed up for, that he never wanted to be responsible for this kind of destruction. He spends the rest of the day holed up in his cabin, trying to find a way to make sense of it all.
As the crew continues to hunt, the weight of their actions begins to take a toll on them all. They start to realize the true cost of war, the senseless loss of life, and the long-lasting psychological scars that it leaves behind. They struggle to reconcile their duty to their country with their own sense of morality, and they’re forced to confront the fact that sometimes, there are no easy answers.
By the end of the chapter, the crew is emotionally drained and battle-weary. They long for home, for their families, and for the chance to put the horrors of war behind them. But they know that they still have a mission to complete, and that they’ll have to find a way to soldier on, no matter what the cost.
Chapter 6:
U-96 Becomes the Hunted
The crew of U-96 thought they had seen it all, but they were about to face their biggest challenge yet. As they traveled back to port after a successful mission, they suddenly found themselves under attack from Allied forces. The submarine shook from the impact of depth charges as the men scrambled to keep it afloat.
Captain Lieutenant Werner barked orders, his voice strained with tension. They were outnumbered and outgunned, but they couldn’t give up. The crew worked frantically to evade the enemy, using every trick they knew to stay one step ahead.
The submarine was hit again and again, the deafening explosions ringing in their ears. The tension on the ship was palpable, and the men were pushed to their breaking point. They had to keep their wits about them if they wanted to make it out alive.
The crew was exhausted, their nerves frayed from the constant barrage of attacks. The submarine was in bad shape, with leaks springing up all over and the crew struggling to keep the engines running. It was a race against time as they frantically worked to repair the damage and stay alive.
As the hours wore on, the tension grew even more unbearable. The crew was tired and hungry, and the constant threat of attack was taking its toll. Some men began to crack under the pressure, their nerves frayed beyond repair. Others dug deep, finding the strength to keep going in the face of overwhelming odds.
But just when it seemed like things couldn’t get any worse, they did. U-96 was spotted by a British destroyer, and the men knew that their time was up. The enemy ship closed in, raining depth charges down on the submarine. The explosions were deafening, and it seemed like the end was near.
But somehow, against all odds, U-96 managed to dodge the depth charges and slip away from its pursuer. The crew let out a collective sigh of relief, but they knew they couldn’t rest yet. With the enemy still on their tail, they had to keep moving if they wanted to survive.
The hours ticked by, each one more nerve-wracking than the last. The crew was on edge, their nerves stretched to the breaking point as they waited for the next attack. But to their surprise, none came. They had finally outsmarted the enemy, and they were almost home free.
As they pulled into port, the crew was exhausted but elated. They had survived one of the most harrowing experiences of their lives, and they knew that they had been lucky to make it out alive. But even as they celebrated their victory, they couldn’t help but wonder when the next challenge would come. For the crew of U-96, the war was far from over, and they knew that they would have to keep fighting if they wanted to make it home alive.
Chapter 7:
The war was finally over, and the crew of U-96 was returning home. The submarine was battered and bruised, but she and the men onboard had survived. However, they were not the same men who had set sail from La Rochelle all those months ago. The war had taken its toll on them, both physically and emotionally.
As they sailed into port, they were met with cheering crowds and jubilant celebrations. The people of Germany hailed them as heroes, and the crew basked in the adulation. But for the men of U-96, there was no joy in their hearts. They knew the truth of what they had done, and the cost that had been paid.
Lieutenant Werner stepped off the submarine, looking around at the crowds with a strange mix of emotions. He felt proud of what he and his crew had accomplished, but he also felt a sense of shame. He had led these men into battle, and now he was responsible for their wounds, their scars, and the weight of their experiences.
As the men disembarked, they were met by their families and loved ones. There were tears and embraces, but also a sense of distance. The men of U-96 had been through things that their families could never understand. They had faced death at every turn, and now they were expected to simply return to their old lives.
For some, this was impossible. The memories of the war weighed heavily on them, and they were haunted by the things they had seen and done. They struggled to connect with their families and found it hard to readjust to civilian life.
Lieutenant Werner was one of these men. He had seen too much, and the reality of war had left a permanent mark on him. He tried to return to his old life, but he found that he couldn’t. He had lost something deep within himself, and he didn’t know how to find it again.
As time passed, the men of U-96 drifted apart. Some tried to forget what they had been through, while others found solace in each other’s company. But they all carried the scars of the war with them, a constant reminder of the cost of their actions.
Years later, as an old man, Lieutenant Werner sat in his garden, staring out at the horizon. He had lived a long life, but the war still haunted him. He thought of his crew, and of the sacrifices they had made. He thought of the Allied ships they had sunk, and of the men who had died. He thought of his own actions, and of the weight of his responsibility.
But as he sat there, lost in thought, he realized something: that he had done what he had to do. The war had been a terrible thing, but it had been necessary. And he had played his part, for better or for worse.
With this realization, a sense of peace filled him. He knew that the war would never truly leave him, but he also knew that he had done his best. And with that, he finally found the closure he had been searching for.
The story of U-96 and her crew was one of sacrifice, of bravery, and of the cost of war. It was a story of ordinary men who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances, and who did what they had to do to survive. And though the war was long over, the memory of U-96 would live on, a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who had served aboard her.
Some scenes from the movie Das Boot written by A.I.
Scene 1
INT. U-96 SUBMARINE – DAY
We begin with the young, inexperienced captain, LIEUTENANT WERNER, trying to assert his authority to the seasoned crew of U-96, as they set sail from La Rochelle, France. The crew, consisting of men from all walks of life, including the grizzled and hardened KRIEGSMARINE OFFICER, the jovial but tough FLOMANN and the ever-skeptical WAR CORRESPONDENT, all have their doubts about the new captain.
LIEUTENANT WERNER
(to the crew)
Gentlemen, our mission is clear. We must hunt down and destroy any Allied ships we come across. But we must work as a team if we want to succeed.
KRIEGSMARINE OFFICER
(to LIEUTENANT WERNER)
With respect, Captain, you have yet to prove yourself to us. We’ve been through countless missions, and we’ve seen men come and go.
FLOMANN
(to the crew)
But he’s got to start somewhere, right? We all did once.
WAR CORRESPONDENT
(to FLOMANN)
And how many of us made it through our first mission unscathed?
The tension in the submarine is palpable, with each man doubting LIEUTENANT WERNER’s leadership skills. But they know that they must put their differences aside and work together if they are to succeed in their dangerous mission.
The crew goes about their duties, checking the equipment, loading torpedoes and preparing for battle. LIEUTENANT WERNER observes them, silently hoping that they will eventually accept him as their leader.
As they leave the peaceful waters of La Rochelle and head out into the open sea, the men brace themselves, unsure of what lies ahead.
FADE OUT.
Scene 2
INT. U-96 SUBMARINE – NIGHT
The crew of U-96 is jubilant after sinking their first British steamer. They celebrate with cigarettes and schnapps.
Captain-Lieutenant Werner stands on the bridge, gazing out at the dark ocean. He is clearly uneasy.
WERNER:
(to himself)
What have I gotten us into?
Below deck, the men are loud and rowdy. They sing and joke, but their bravado thinly veils their fear.
The submarine suddenly jolts violently, throwing the men about.
SEAMAN:
(shouting)
We’ve been hit!
The crew springs into action, scrambling to assess the damage and repair the sub.
Werner puts on his headset and listens intently to the sonar. He hears the unmistakable sound of an enemy destroyer closing in.
WERNER:
(to the crew)
Dive! Dive! Dive!
The submarine plunges below the surface, narrowly avoiding the destroyer’s depth charges.
The men work feverishly to repair the damage and keep the sub afloat. It’s a race against time as the destroyer circles overhead, dropping more depth charges every minute.
After what feels like an eternity, the destroyer finally moves on. The crew of U-96 breathes a collective sigh of relief.
Werner removes his headset and slumps down in his chair, emotionally drained.
WERNER:
(to himself)
This is going to be a long war.
Scene 3
INT. U-96 SUBMARINE – DAY
The crew of U-96 is cramped and irritable as they try to navigate the dangerous waters of the Atlantic. Lieutenant Werner paces back and forth, trying to maintain order as the men bicker and fight.
WERNER
(to the crew)
Gentlemen, we must work together if we are to succeed in our mission. We cannot afford to let our tempers get the best of us.
SCHMIDT
(to Werner)
And what mission is that, Lieutenant? To sink more innocent ships?
Werner bristles at the insubordination, but he knows that he needs to keep the crew in line.
WERNER
We are soldiers, Schmidt. Our duty is to serve our country, whatever the cost.
HAGEN
(to the crew)
He’s right. We can’t let our personal feelings get in the way of our duty.
The crew grumbles, but they begrudgingly nod in agreement.
WERNER
We will continue to hunt Allied ships and do our part to win this war. But we must do it together, as a team.
The tension in the submarine eases slightly as the crew begins to work together again. But Werner knows that it will take more than a pep talk to keep them united in the face of the dangers that lie ahead.
Scene 4
FADE IN:
EXT. OPEN SEA – DAY
The German submarine, U-96, stalks a heavily guarded convoy of Allied ships.
INT. SUBMARINE – CONTROL ROOM
Captain-Lieutenant Werner stands at his periscope, scanning the horizon.
WERNER
(to the crew)
Prepare to fire torpedoes.
The crew rushes to man their stations.
INT. SUBMARINE – ENGINE ROOM
Engineer Johann sits at his post, sweat beads on his forehead as he works to keep the boat running smoothly.
JOHANN
(to himself)
Come on, baby. Don’t fail me now.
Suddenly, an alarm blares.
JOHANN
(frantic)
We’ve been hit!
INT. SUBMARINE – CONTROL ROOM
Werner rushes to the engine room, followed by his men. They find Johann lying injured on the floor.
WERNER
(to Johann)
Can you fix it?
JOHANN
(struggling)
I’ll try.
Werner barks orders to his crew as they work to repair the damage. Suddenly, the sound of a depth charge echoes through the submarine.
INT. SUBMARINE – CORRIDOR
The crew jolts as the submarine rocks from the impact of the depth charge.
INT. SUBMARINE – CONTROL ROOM
Werner’s face is grim as he turns to his men.
WERNER
(to the crew)
We’re in deep trouble. We need to surface and make repairs.
The crew nods in agreement and the submarine begins to rise.
EXT. OPEN SEA – DAY
As U-96 surfaces, they are immediately met with a barrage of gunfire from an enemy destroyer.
INT. SUBMARINE – CONTROL ROOM
Werner remains calm under pressure as he orders his crew to return fire.
WERNER
(to the crew)
We need to take out that destroyer. It’s our only chance.
INT. SUBMARINE – WEAPONS ROOM
The crew works quickly to load and fire the torpedoes.
INT. SUBMARINE – CONTROL ROOM
Werner watches through his periscope as the torpedoes hit their mark, sinking the enemy destroyer.
WERNER
(to the crew)
We did it. Let’s get the hell out of here.
FADE OUT.
Scene 5
FADE IN:
INT. U-96 SUBMARINE – DAY
The crew of U-96 is gathered in their cramped living quarters, looking haggard and exhausted. The air is thick with tension as they try to digest the events of the last few days.
CAPTAIN LEHMANN: (to the crew) Gentlemen, we need to talk.
The men look at him warily, unsure of what to expect.
CAPTAIN LEHMANN: I know we’ve all been struggling with the morality of our actions here. The war has taken its toll on us, and it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture.
There are murmurs of agreement from the crew, and some nod their heads in understanding.
CAPTAIN LEHMANN: But I want to remind you all why we’re here. We’re fighting for our country, for our families back home, and for our way of life.
There’s a long pause as the weight of his words sinks in.
CAPTAIN LEHMANN: I know it’s not easy, but we have to stay focused on our mission. We have to do what it takes to protect our people and our country.
LIEUTENANT WERNER: (speaking up) But what about the innocent lives we’re taking? What about the women and children on those ships?
The room falls silent as everyone looks at Werner.
CAPTAIN LEHMANN: (firmly) Those ships are carrying supplies and weapons to our enemies. They’re just as responsible for this war as we are. We have to stop them, no matter the cost.
The crew looks at each other, unsure and divided.
CAPTAIN LEHMANN: (continuing) I’m not saying it’s easy. I’m not saying we won’t have to make sacrifices. But we’re soldiers, and we have a duty to our country. We have to stay strong, together.
There’s a long, tense moment before the crew finally nods in agreement.
LIEUTENANT WERNER: (quietly) Yes, sir.
The captain nods, satisfied, and the crew disperses, clearly still weighed down by the burden of their actions.
FADE OUT.
Scene 6
INT. U-96 SUBMARINE – DAY
The sound of explosions reverberate off the metal walls of the submarine. The crew frantically works to keep the vessel afloat as it shakes with each impact.
CAPTAIN: (into intercom) All hands, brace for impact!
The crew braces themselves as the submarine takes another hit.
LIEUTENANT WERNER: (to the crew) Keep calm and stay focused! We can make it out of this!
Another explosion rocks the sub, and this time the lights flicker and go out.
LIEUTENANT WERNER: (yelling) Emergency power, now!
The backup generator hums to life, bathing the sub in dim red light.
SONAR OPERATOR: (into intercom) Captain, we’ve got three destroyers closing in on our location.
CAPTAIN: (into intercom) All hands, prepare to engage the enemy!
The crew readies their weapons as the sub surfaces, firing at the destroyers as they close in.
LIEUTENANT WERNER: (to the captain) We can’t take much more of this!
CAPTAIN: (grimly) We have to hold on just a little longer!
The sub takes another hit, and this time it’s more devastating than the others. The crew is thrown around, and the sound of rushing water fills the sub.
LIEUTENANT WERNER: (panicking) We’re taking on water!
CAPTAIN: (yelling) Abandon ship!
The crew scrambles to grab their gear and make their way to the escape pods. Lieutenant Werner helps the injured make their way out, his heart heavy with the knowledge that they may not all make it.
As the last of the crew leaves the sub, Lieutenant Werner takes one last look at U-96. The sub sinks below the surface, taking with it the memories of their mission, the faces of their fallen comrades, and the weight of their sacrifices.
