Attacking Destroyers - Tatics
 

I have begun a campaign against destroyers. Since they almost always beat a Collision/Intercept course, I submerge to periscope depth and allow them to close to about 200-400 meters. With pistols set to magnetic, I fire one torpedo dead into the bow, almost always resulting in a hit, even when evasive movements are made. Most sink a few minutes later.

Additional dead astern attacks from less than 400 meters are also devastating. It would seem their ability to hear anything in there own wake is greatly finished.

Happy Hunting...R.H.v.H - U-196

Yes, since destroyers are very quick to maneuver and very alert, there are two ways to shoot them, both from absolute minimum range. The first is you are periscope depth running from them as they chase you. Wait for the range to close to 500 yards and shoot one up the 180 bearing. Dive immediately and keep ahead flank until you pass the thermal barrier. That's a fifty-fifty shot. And since our game DDs are hardened on the bow you aren't guaranteed a sinking.

Just like you, my favorite shot is from up the DD's stern. They don't react as well, even though your torpedo travels longer before the boom. Best to shoot that one from 400 yards, as the DD will travel more than 100 yards before it hits and you'll still have an armed torpedo. The problems is "how do you get in position for this up the poop chute shot?" Pretty much, you have to let them run over you and shoot them if you live to see them running out the other side of their run.

DDs are worthless in tonnage and very dangerous to engage. If you're playing a U-boat Donitz will have you shot when you return and replace you with a more sensible captain. If you're playing as an American, Admiral Lockwood will have you reassigned to a garbage scow. If you live.

Agree on all points! I enjoy your posts!

I'm a bit of a maniac, but very methodical and calculating...

Up the poop chute...LOL

I tend to circle and maneuver into position. Its time consuming, but fun.

Another tactic I use often is to surface close to a damaged merchant, and set a torpedo to fast/magnetic 000 heading and put a shot into the DD amidships as it crosses the freighter's bow.

I have also surfaced next to a merchant in a convoy, below their cone of fire, and allow the ensuing destroyer fire to badly damage and/or sink the vessel.

I can then hide under the stopped hulk and pop up scope periodically and broadside the DD's.

I've already discovered completely by accident, just what you guys are describing in this thread. I just described my experience in another thread and now, by reading your posts here, I'm on the right path to enlightenment. :yep:

Are you kidding me????

Oh now I've GOT to try that.

Short range.

Magnetic detonators.

While they're in port.

Get familiar with running "decks awash" on some approaches. This refers to running partially surfaced with only your main deck and conning tower out of the water - you won't make as much speed, but you will present a smaller silhouette. I also use the sun and moonlight as an advantage when approach course permits.

I will sometimes run with only my conning tower out of the water. I can still man the bridge with binoculars in this state. I can make more speed in this state than fully submerged.

Also, before surfacing, take a look around. Many times I have had no sound contacts and yet surfaced near a task force. Also, beware of surfacing to admire your work as a ship is sinking. Armed merchants and warships can still fire on you while ablaze and sinking.

Good luck....

I played a game last night where the seas were so rough that I had to raise my conning tower out of the water just to be able to see over the waves with my scope. I shot a destroyer and I discovered just what you're saying. That destroyer was still shooting at me all the time she was burning, listing and men jumping off her decks. She didn't let up until a final explosion took her down. Fortunately, only my conning tower must have been a really small target to hit. She came very close but never did hit me.

Good work...

Depending on game date, destroyers fired on at 200m will miss, its too close. When you are equipped with acoustic torps in rear tubes which I always do when avail, fire at pursueing Destroyer at 1500 and dive and do 90 deg turn. The torps should meet up with him after he slows down to 'search'.

I've been firing at 400-800 meters....

It seems that you have found that same method that I have .. way to go ")

I always preferred the DTT shot from the stern and shot 3 by the wire middle and lil offset left and right if using M14's. Although it's cheating per say, you can use the 40's basically a lil below decks awash, even somewhat underwater and often sink small escorts or shoot their depth charge racks off usually without any major damage returned. Not sure if this voids the charges numbered, but never had one dump on me after I did it. Sometimes in shallow water it's a good last option. Another fun tactic is to learn cargo load outs when you can and what explodes and after an attack where escorts often get close to these loaded merchants is to time a shot and blow them up with the merchant. No credit, but it's fun, I've sunk sometimes 6 plus ships with one torp from explosion to explosion.

exactly the same as the subs.

I play it by ear. If attacking from port or starboard, I let the lead DD pass and come up and fire at the chosen targets and immediately go back down, turning towards the advance DD, he comes around and goes approx where I was. After thermal layer I go up to slow, wait and come back up for another attack then do a runner!!