Summary

On Sunday, Schweiger spotted Fair Isle three miles off but could not see the Orkneys archipelago off northern Scotland. The U-20 presented a danger but the U-boat was also in peril. Upon spotting two destroyers, he immediately ordered the U-20’s descent. Shortly after noon on Sunday, Schwieger gave the order to ascend which was another blind moment until the vessel reached the surface. Once he could scan the surrounding surface, he saw no immediate danger but upon fully emerging he saw that the sea ahead was filling with British patrol vessels and behind him were two British destroyers.

Captain Turner found the voyage to be routine. There was no real danger of attack until they came closer to Ireland but the captain was not worried about submarines. However, within Cunard, concern was growing. Turner began receiving dispatches about the threat...