Choosing Whether to Pursue

This flow traces the changing combat relationship between Keeling and the submarines, from uncertain contact to the final close-range fight.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Contact Worth the Fuel

A Contact Worth the Fuel Competing risks George Krause weighs the chance of destroying a submarine against the fuel consumed by a long pursuit and the loss of screening coverage. James’s contact may not even be a submarine. The first pursuit He authorizes James and Viktor to attack together, then recalls them when the contact remains poor and the convoy’s course change reduces the immediate threat. The decision disappoints a possible hunt to preserve the larger screen. Judgment changes with evidence The early exchange establishes that pursuit is not automatically virtuous. George Krause must decide repeatedly whether the enemy is sufficiently real and dangerous to justify the risks of engagement.

A Submarine Beneath Keeling

A Submarine Beneath Keeling Pursuit through uncertain sound Keeling’s radar contact disappears as the submarine dives. Sonar eventually detects an echo, and the battle becomes a moving contest between a destroyer’s wider turn and a submarine’s greater underwater maneuverability. Anticipation succeeds George Krause changes direction before the submarine’s likely turn and closes the distance. When Viktor joins the hunt, the two ships combine their approaches and depth charges to trap the enemy. Destruction confirmed A crunch heard through the water and an oil patch confirm that the submarine has been destroyed. The tactical success is also a moral shock: the defeat means the deaths of men, not only the destruction of an enemy vessel.

The Damage-Limited Duel

The Damage-Limited Duel A depleted attack Keeling and Dodge pursue another submarine after their ammunition has become scarce. George Krause can no longer afford the full patterns that earlier offered broader chances of a hit. The submarine surfaces A failing control forces the U-boat repeatedly to the surface near Keeling and Dodge. The ships circle and exchange fire at dangerous range, with the enemy briefly emerging almost alongside Keeling. A decisive opening When Dodge’s maneuver separates the submarine from its cover, Keeling’s guns strike. The enemy is destroyed, but Keeling suffers damage and casualties; the victory is purchased with a cost borne aboard the winning ship.

Wednesday morning after James finds a contact

Wednesday late morning after the radar contact disappears

Thursday afternoon during Dodge’s submarine engagement