U47 - Kapitänleutnant Prien

Shortly after World War II begins, Günther Prien reports to Karl Dönitz, commander of the U-boat force. Dönitz orders him to command U-47 and infiltrate the Royal Navy base at Scapa Flow to inflict as much damage as possible. The assignment marks the start of Prien's rise as a celebrated submarine commander.

Prien leads U-47 to infiltrate Scapa Flow with the aim of striking at the Royal Navy. He succeeds in penetrating the base and carrying out the mission. The operation showcases his daring and sets the stage for his wartime reputation.

Prien returns from his Scapa Flow mission to a hero's welcome, celebrated by his crew and the German Navy. The display of acclaim reinforces his status as a national hero. The victory also deepens his public image as a key wartime figure.

Pastor Kille, a former schoolmate of Prien, approaches him seeking refuge and assistance for Nazi oppression victims. Prien is initially reluctant, insisting he is a soldier and not involved in politics. The moment introduces a moral dilemma that recurs later.

Alwine, Kille's sister and fiancée to Prien's first officer Thomas Birkeneck, attempts to sway Prien's views. Prien remains unmoved, keeping his duties on the warfront separate from personal ties. The moment heightens tensions between personal loyalties and moral responsibility.

As the war continues, Prien is plagued by doubt and guilt about his role. He asks himself whether his stance and actions align with his sense of right and wrong. The inner conflict follows him on his patrols and in moments of quiet.

After the freighter sinks, U-47 picks up two survivors who are German refugees attempting to flee Nazi Germany. The refugees choose to remain at sea rather than return to their homeland. The incident unsettles Prien and challenges the morality of wartime actions.

Prien goes to visit the imprisoned pastor, promising him help without realizing the visit is being monitored. The conversation draws the attention of the Gestapo. The act marks a risky step toward using his public profile to aid victims.

The visit to Kille attracts Gestapo interest, but it yields no immediate consequences for Prien. He remains under scrutiny while continuing his service at sea. The episode foreshadows the perils of overstepping boundaries.

U-47 is sunk during its next war patrol, ending Prien's active command of the vessel. The loss underscores the high risks faced by U-boat crews. The aftermath foreshadows the further chain of incidents involving Prien.

Prien and his cook are rescued by a British merchant ship after U-47's sinking. The ship is then sunk by another German submarine commanded by Prien's former first officer, Birkeneck. The sequence entwines fate and vengeance at sea.

Prien's hat is recovered from the sea, which shocks Birkeneck as the symbol underscores his failed order. The moment is a strange reminder of the personal history that links them. It intensifies the tension between former comrades.

Birkeneck hesitates to order a dive in time, and his submarine is sunk by attacking enemy aircraft. The fatal misstep closes the loop of the personal conflict that started on land and ended at sea. Prien and his crew are indirectly connected to the final loss.