Summary

Section 2 of Chapter 2 is titled “Wednesday. Afternoon Watch: 1200 – 1600.” The narration picks up from the moment at which it left off at the end of Section 1 – specifically, with Krause reacting to the message from Dawson. As reports reinforce the news that contact with the U-boat has been lost, Krause dismisses Dawson, realizing that there is no point at all in sharing what he has learned with the rest of the crew, or with the rest of the convoy. “He was alone with his responsibility in this crowded pilothouse” (60). He dismisses Dawson, and continues his leadership of the search for the U-boat.

Sonar soon makes contact, which is confirmed by the Viktor. Krause and the captain of the other ship share information and plan a coordinated attack. The narration again details Krause’s second-by-second thought processes and decision making as he ensures that other...