Chapter 1

It was a dark and windy night in April 1941, there was a strong sea running and spray occasionally wet the bridge crew as the patrolling T class submarine HMS Tenacious was just about to make her first sweep on the surface of their patrol area just off Ushant. Intermittent driving spray lashed the faces of the bridge crew. The Captain Lt Commander Tony Nash had just ordered a running charge to be started on the batteries, and the lookouts and machine gunners were closed up on the bridge. This was just the sort of night that German U Boats would consider ideal for slipping out of their base for the open sea, to attack the Atlantic convoys.

Below in the control room the asdic operators listened intently, to see if they could distinguish any propeller noises. On the surface they were highly vulnerable as were all submarines, but they must recharge the batteries, and although they could now have a hot meal, and use the toilet and have a quick clean of the boat as far as was humanly possible, they were all ready to dive again at a seconds notice if necessary.

Down below the Chef had started cooking breakfast off tinned sausages, tinned tomatoes (known affectionately as read lead), and powdered egg, and the off watch members of the crew were enjoying their first cigarette for over twelve hours. Even a few non smokers were stood around in the control room reveling in their first breath of fresh air, as the two powerful sixteen cylinder diesel engines sucked the chill night air down into the control room, quickly getting rid of the foul air, and diesel fumes which accumulated in a submarine during a long dive.

As was normal most submarines turned night into day as far as possible, although it was now about 10.00pm, they knew that Breakfast would be their first meal on surfacing and a hot dinner would, if possible be served t about 4.00 am before they dived for the day.

The Leading Signalman Mark Andrews came down from the conning tower to the control room to be replaced by a lookout as he slipped out of his Ursula suit and safety belt and made his way forward to his mess. He was always the first on the bridge with the Captain when they surfaced in case he had to reply to a challenge from another ship. Now Mark like the others were looking forward to getting dry, and having a hot meal. He knew that he could be recalled at any instant to the bridge. The dreaded cry "Signalman on the Bridge." always kept him tense and experience told him this was such a night when he could be called upon quite easily.

When the Captain was confident that the boat had sufficient buoyancy then he would hand over the watch to one of the junior officers, and he himself would be looking forward very much to a hot breakfast. If the night went without incident, then they would dive again with full batteries just before dawn, followed by a day when they cruised at a bout three knots dived, watching and waiting. The off duty crew members sleeping and conserving air until dusk, when they would prepare to surface once again.

In the wireless office Peter Mowbray the Leading Telegraphist was listening and waiting to see if any signals would be broadcast for them. Suddenly he stiffened, and reached for his pencil as their call sign came over the air. He started writing rapidly taking down the blocks of code in a message addressed to them. It was soon decoded by the signals officer and taken to the Captain.

It was a recall, but not back to their depot ship, but to HMS Dolphin the Submarine home base at Portsmouth. The message was stressing the need for them to return with all dispatch. The Captain Tony Nash called for the navigating officer, and asked him to set a course for Portsmouth and within a few moments HMS Tenacious had left her patrol area and was 'cracking on' at full speed for Portsmouth harbour still with her full load of torpedoes intact.

It was two days later and they were just on time as they surfaced at the rendezvous to be greeted by their escorting destroyer. Who having quickly established their identity signalled briefly "Follow mama."

It was almost sunset, as Tony patiently conned the Tenacious into Portsmouth harbour. Tony was highly intrigued as to the reason that he had been recalled from patrol, after only fourteen days, but this was wartime, and Tony knew anything could and would happen. The signalman piped the salute as the boat came level with the signal tower flying the Admiral Submarines flag, and the casing party came to attention, and they all saluted. As soon as they got the "carry on. Everyone's attention was focused on making the 90-degree port turn into Dolphin Creek, and preparing to berth, as well as the urgent need to change the engines over to run on the motors.

"Stop starboard, in starboard engine clutch" The captain ordered.

Within seconds the starboard engine spluttered to a stop, and within a few seconds the control room reported that they were now running on the starboard motor.

This was followed by a similar order for the port engine change, immediately afterwards. Once the Captain had power from both motors, they were almost alongside their allotted berth, and a brief glance showed him that there was a sizeable welcoming party waiting for them on the jetty, including Capt Submarines. Tony was curious, and slightly concerned at the size of the waiting group, which indicated something special was on the cards. Once they were secured, Tony turned to Bill his First lieutenant.

"Refuel as soon as possible Bill, full battery charge, and replenish provisions as soon as we get orders. But do not pipe leave until we know why, and how long we will be here." "Right Sir" He replied saluting as Tony climbed over the bridge rail, and climbing down on to the casing. The casing party came to attention, as Tony made his way ashore, and saluted the senior officers waiting for him on the quayside.

"Welcome home Tony." Captain Submarines said shaking hands.

He did not introduce any of the other people with him, some of whom were unknown to Tony.

"We will go to my office where we can make the introductions and talk privately."

Tony looked at the Commander, an old friend of his who was Staff officer Operations. He looked at him, and just shrugged his shoulders, not giving a clue as to all the secrecy. Tony followed the party along the quay to the Captain Submarines office. He was very intrigued by the presence of a slim attractive sexy blonde female that walked silently with them. She was about 5'6" slim with short pageboy cut dirty blonde hair covered with a beret of the type usually favoured by the French. She wore a fawn rubber mackintosh, high heels and a lot of make-up. Tony could smell wafts of her very exotic cheap perfume as they walked. She walked silently, almost moodily with her hands in her pockets, and a large black shoulder bag slung over her right shoulder.

As they walked, Tony sensed from time to time that she was giving him curious sidelong glances. But each time Tony turned to look at her, she immediately looked away. They got into the office, and drinks were served, and to his amazement everyone except Captain S/M the young lady and a civilian who was introduced as Mr. Broughton from the admiralty, were asked to leave the room. Immediately the civilian started to talk.