[moha14881]

Originally Posted by Roger Dodger

I'm not understanding your query about 'radio contacts'. If you mean the convoy/task force alerts, you don't get very many anyways, and you will be too far out of position to even get into a firing position in the time allotted. When you get a FLASH message for a convoy/task force within your patrol area, plot the info on your navigation map to see if you can get into a good position. Stern chases are hopeless, but you might be able to get ahead of a convoy/task force. Good luck!

'zigzagging merchants or DDs'
Tough shots anyway you look at it. For merchants, you hope they will zig in your direction. You will have to watch them for awhile to assess their pattern. Fire when they start their zig towards you, and use the torpedo gyro offsets to spread your shots.
DDs, because of their speed, are even harder, and they will usually be coming right at you. If you can line them up with stern shots, you might have a (slim) chance of getting a hit (if you're quick enough).
Assume the DD is zigzagging across your stern about 160 degrees to 200 degrees. At 1000 yards and 180 degrees (dead astern) fire all four stern tubes: #7 @ 0 degrees offset, #8 @ 1 degree left offset, #9 @ 1 degree right offset, and #10 @ 0 degree offset. As soon as #10 leaves the tube, CRASH DIVE and HARD LEFT (or right) RUDDER. You 'might' get a hit, or failing a hit, you 'might' get away.

Good luck!

I actually run into a juicy convoy, maneuver and try to get a shot only to be interrupted by a DD. 250ft makes them loose their DCs!! When I go periscope depth I find myself surrounded by 7+ DDs all zigzagging! Merchants are like going 14+ knots and zig! No way to catch'em at 8:9 knots!! Any Idea to position well!