Random Questions -- Seeking Advice

[Deathfrombelow23]

I am about to begin a new career. I want to start in 1939. I am going to choose between either a VIIB or a IXB. In my mind, I am going to change the number of my new command to either U-29-36 or U-37-44 to simulate getting a VIIA or IXA, since I do not believe that historically a young commander would be given a BRAND NEW type B of either boat. Is this correct? I know some started out in type II's but I want to begin with one boat and keep it through much of the war... until March of 1944 when I upgrade to a XXI. Which boat type would you recommend - VIIB or IXB - keeping in mind that I am going to start the war in 1939 with it and keep it until 1944 (I won't be upgrading to a VIIC or IXC). Which type would have the best advantage of survivability? Please, let me know what you think... I appreciate any and all suggestions. I would think that the VIIB would be best because it's range is not THAT much less than the IXB and it is a lot smaller, so it presents a smaller sonar/asdic profile when submerged. Ofcourse, what do I know? I was sunk on my first patrol during my last 3 careers. :doh: :roll: Thanks in advance for the advice!

[Schwuppes]

Playing from 1939 to 1944 in a IXB or VIIB is not historically correct either... ;)
All IXB and VIIB U-Boats were decommisioned in 1943.

And as far as I know the XXI Boats were actually not available for combat patrols until March or April 1945.

but to answer your question I would take the VIIB... just a personal preference because of its speed, manueverability and stealth.

[GoldenRivet]

true... most kaleuns never served in a capacity that saw them pass 10 or 12 patrols (give or take).

[Oberon]

Let me put it this way.

Donitz preferred the Type VII over the Type IX. Sure the Type IX can take you to the states and all over the globe, however it's big, not very manueverable, and takes longer than the Type VII to dive, all of which will be a great hinderance to you when the Allies get themselves together and the Happy Times come crashing to a halt. Also, harbour raiding in a Type IX is not recommended, it'd be like trying to thread your finger through the eye of a needle.

Truth be told though, I've yet to use a Type IX, so I'm only going on what I know rather than what I've experienced.

Also, wee bit of advice from a Kaleu who always used to get sunk on his first patrol:

1) When being chased by a warship which doesn't have ASDIC, silent running and a speed of one knot is your friend. However, it's hard to maintain depth at this speed so watch your depth gauge! Should he make a D/C run at you, as soon as you hear the splashs in the water, full speed ahead, right or left full rudder and change your depth, deeper if possible. The greater the depth, the less damage those Depth Charges will do to you.

2) Depth is also your friend, particularly when your enemies have ASDIC, remember, early in the war YOU pick your area of engagement, if a convoy is over shallow water, follow it until it's over deep water then make your run.

[von Zelda]

First of all, to be historically correct, you will not get a XXI until very late April 1945. While XXIs were commissioned in 1944, they were all in workup and training, and only two XXIs actually began combat missions prior to the end of the war, May 1945, and neither sank a ship.

Second, unless you were already a u-boat skipper prior to the war, you would not be given a Type VII or Type IX; you would have started out in a Type II. Some of the most famous u-boat commanders began their careers in Type IIs.

Besides, if haven't already begun a career in a Type II, you're missing out on a wonderful little boat which was great in the shallow coastal water east of Great Brittain.

[Deathfrombelow23]

I love the little type II's! Why it was only 2 weeks ago that I was debating (in my first GWX 2.0 career BEFORE I was killed) if I even wanted to trade in my nice IID for a VIIB. Sounds crazy, I know, but I love those little boats. And the extra range of the IID makes it A LOT more versatile compared to a IIA. Now, if only you could choose to mount a 37mm or heavy flak of some sort instead of a 2cm machine gun, I would keep my IID for the WHOLE WAR! I've seen a thread or two on this topic... I would love to see it done! Unfortunately, I do not have the technical know-how to edit the game to that extent. To all who have responded so far, THANK YOU for taking the time to share your expertise with me. Good hunting, my fellow kaleuns!! :rock: