Tips for convoy attacks.

[u-212]

Ok i see the convoy on the map, and close distance. Then as usual i get 'warship spotted' from that moment on (90%) of the time, i just cant get close enuff to the convoy as warships and DD attacks prevent me from doing so:x . As im being DD'd the convoy slowly gets further and further away untill its usually impossible for me to close the distance and get in amongst the convoy. I must add that sometimes i can get amongst the convoy but as mentioned its very rare. As im using the superb gwx 2.1 mod and i really wanna cause some trouble in the convoys as there is usually a big fat warship in there somewhere:D How do you attack a convoy? What tactics do you use when being DD'd and trying to approach shipping? Any help would be greatly appreciated:D

[von Zelda]

You are experiencing the reality of the Battle of the Atlantic. Depending on the year (1939 - 1945), most U-boats could not get close enough to the convoys. Convoy attacks during the "Happy Times" (June 1940 - Decemebr 1940) were made on the surface at night. In early 1940, the Allies began using surface radar, and later Huff/Duff, to their advantage. It became impossible to get close on the surface.

You might try some submerged attacks. Get way around and in front of the convoy on the surface. Submerge on the convoys track, use "ahead slow" only to get directly in front of the convoy. Stay at periscope depth and wait until the convoy passes over you and hope you don't get pickup by their Asdic. Carefully use your periscope to pick out a target and fire. Then, dive slowly into the depths.

[predavolk]

There's lots of good tactics spread around here if you search for them, and there are tactics in the GWX manual, and I think Brag has some on his web page. In a nutshell, with GWX 2.1 you should be coming in submerged, slow/quiet (2 knots or less), and deeper as the seas are calmer. Avoid coming within 500-1000M of the lead escort if at all possible (that seems to usually result in automatic detection). Once they're towards your stern (so you're in their baffles/undetection zone) start moving to periscope depth. Once as PD, start shooting!

The other possibility is early in the war, go in a periscope depth, duck and dodge the pursuing destroyer, and attack any how! :up:

[rifleman13]

Early in the war (1st Qtr, 1940) the convoys coming in and out of the UK usually with one escort. Yes, one escort!:arrgh!:

As detailed in Figure one, it was a general massacre. Note: Played with GWX2.1
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/2001/earlywarconvoysj1.jpg

I hope you bag more battleships!:up:

[Nicolas]

Waiting on the route of the convoy yes, at periscope depth, use silent running because if you run at 2 knots without silent running you may get detected if an escort is close, keep the periscope the low as possible, if you can fire at longe range, 1800-3000, if an escort is traveling without zigzag shot it!, try to bring a mix of steam and electric torpedoes, steam helps with accuracy, but not if you are trying to shot an escort, when all torpedoes fired try to escape, and flank the convoy to attempt a second attack.

If you use auto targeting, shot every body and sunk all!

[Brag]

Visit my kielman website. You will find a number of articles on convoy attack and other taxtical advise that has worked well for a bumber of kaleus.

Basically, to penetrate a convoy screen plave yourself on the path of the convoy. Silent running, 2 knots , keep your periscope down until the lead escort is past you.

Good luck and good hunting. :up:

[Sandman_28054]

Now I'm not using the GWX Mod, but it has been my experience, daylight hours, it is best to pull way out ahead of the convoy. Usually about 7500 - 10000m then turn at a 90 degree angle (port or starboard) to the convoy.

I use the "ruler" to "project" its path. Once thats done, I turn and try to get ahead of the projected path. (about 7500 -10000 m ahead) Turn again and go at flank speed until I'm within 2000 - 1700 m of the path. Dive to 13 m, order to "Rig for silent running," and lie in wait. Only raise the periscope to about 14 m mark.

If a DD getects you, wait until its within 500 m and order "Ahead Flank" and release your decoys. This will stop the DD's dead in thier tracks, and sometimes, they will even back off.

Anyway, that is what works for me.

Hope you have luck.