[ Page 36 ] Radar was fitted, but it was pioneer type equipment, the ability to detect enemy radar transmissions was also included on board. A spotting type seaplane was loaded, plus two torpedo boats with a speed capacity of 40 knots, each of these to carry 2 torpedoes, making them a formidible addition to the ship's fighting ability.
Her masts and derricks were made portable to give the ship the opportunity to move or remove them, and quickly change her look. The funnel was able to be moved, and could make smoke, to give the appearance of a coal burner, and not a diesel powered ship, a great deal of thought and effort had been made to give her Captain as much flexability as practicable. 'Michel" sailed to the South Atlantic to reach station between the equator, and a latitude of 15 degrees South, "Thor" would operate below this area.
On arrival, she tuelled flom the Tanker, "Charlotte Schlieman. Two Allied Tankers, the British "Patella," 7,468 tons, and the American 8,684 ton "Connecticut," were soon captured, the latter being the first victim of'Michel's" torpedo boats. Ruekteschell soon developed the tactic of following a potential victim unseen for as long as possible to ascertain her course and speed - after dark, he would then lower a torpedo boat, using her superior speed, this boat would get well ahead of the prey, lie in wait, then, as appropiate use torpedoes.
Early on the morning of the 1st. of May, another chance for action arrived for the torpedo boat, the British Blue Funnel Line, 10,000 ton 'Minelaus" hove into view, the Raider ordered this ship to stop, her Master, Captain J.H.Blyth, refused, his lookouts had quickly reported 'Michel's" first appearance, and the Captain prudently kept his distance.
When the Raider opened fire, the British ship worked up to full speed, using her radio to broadcast the alarm- "Minelaus" began to draw away, making 1.5 knots better than her rated full speed. Up bounded a torpedo boat, flying a White Ensign, and signalling "stop" by International Code, a torpedo was fired, but Blyth was able to alter course to avoid it. Although varying attempts were made by 'Michel" and the torpedo boat to stop "Minelaus"- all failed. The torpedo boat was recovered, and the Raider abandoned the chase.
Blyth was not bluffed by the attempt to disguise the torpedo boat as a British boat, he noted that British duffel coats were worn on a warm morning, they were also worn over Merchant Navy type life jackets, not of a Royal Navy pattern, the word patrol when signalled, was spelled with two t's - the White Ensign was a very poor replica of a true White Ensign, that even at 1.5 miles distance had not fooled Captain Blyth.
He had Captained his ship with vigor, bravery, and good common sense had prevailed, in many of the actions reported, we have seen how many ships, at the very first sign of danger, "just rolled over," but not Captain Blyth, his crew or his ship "Minelaus."
Rucktschell needed to fuel again, he found his Tanker, transferred prisoners, and on the 20th. of May came across a 4,245 ton Norwegian, "Kattegat," who surrendered after a few rounds were fired at her, the crew were taken off, and scuttling finished her life.
In another two weeks, the American Liberty ship, "George Clymer" of 7,176 tons was found, she had broken down and had been drifting aimlessly, 600 miles South West of Ascension.
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