Cruising trough the Channel in 1940 [Archive]

Chisum

09-01-08, 02:01 PM

It is quite possible and very easily.

Returning patrol, I stopped at Bordeaux for refueling.
Then I returned to my base, Wilhelmshaven.
Only one road: the Channel.

Watch it on the pics.

The beginning of the trip is easy to do, while surface and good speed.
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/1490/008dr2.jpg
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/9568/009pg2.jpg

It further increases the speed to go to Boulogne
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/7434/010xr9.jpg

The "S-Boot" protect our trip.
http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/5845/011ld0.jpg
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/4356/012oh4.jpg

Now, en route to Calais.
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/7855/013jb9.jpg

We remain very near the coast
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/6705/014lb4.jpg

En route to Dunkirk, full speed and surfaced yet !
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/3986/016hk3.jpg

August 40, it's actually the battle for Brittain. Raid over England.
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/8175/017to9.jpg

From here to Wilhelmshaven, there is no more problem. We went through !
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/3602/018er1.jpg

And we return home three days after leaving Bordeaux.
It was between August 12 and August 15, 1940.
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/1382/sh3img318200855024312byw3.jpg

That's all.

:rock:

Jimbuna

09-01-08, 02:17 PM

What version of the game :hmm:

Chisum

09-01-08, 02:18 PM

GWX 1.03 actually.
Why Jim ?

Edit: note that BdU sent me a message authorizing me to go and affirming that the passage was cleared.
He was.

Tomcat84

09-01-08, 02:22 PM

Broad daylight! Gutsy :)

I did it too (heading the other way after departing Kiel), but I timed it so the trickiest part was done at night. Had to dive once for some british torpedo boats but no problems otherwise

i ran GWX 2.1 btw. Also after the Bdu message saying it was possible.

Jimbuna

09-01-08, 02:52 PM

GWX 1.03 actually.
Why Jim ?

Edit: note that BdU sent me a message authorizing me to go and affirming that the passage was cleared.
He was.

I was just thinking that it looked a little too easy if you were playing GWX2.1 :lol:

meduza

09-01-08, 02:53 PM

I also passed through the Channel a few times in 1940, and Gibraltar in 1941, surfaced, but during the night. I don't think I would do the same in broad daylight.

BTW nice pics. :D

Chisum

09-01-08, 03:18 PM

Thanks Meduza.

Jim, it will be more difficult on 2.1 ?
Are you sure that the English were sunbathing on the French beaches in August 1940 ?
:p

Edit: oh Meduza, I want also try to the Gibraltar passage. But I don't know if I can go trough, stop in a german base and after be affected to a mediteranean Flottilas.
If i start from Wilhelmshaven(or French bases) and ask for mutation, can I go to my new base by de Gibraltar detroit or am i directly positionnd in Mediteranean ???
It will be good if I can receive an order to go in Mediteranean sea, you know what I mean ?

Jimbuna

09-01-08, 03:40 PM

meduza

09-01-08, 03:59 PM

Chisum, you can pass through the Straight of Gibraltar and dock at the German base, but you'll still be assigned to your current flotilla and have to go back through the Straight. :D
Unless of course, you ask for transfer to Mediterranean flotilla after docking.

Regarding the orders for going through Gibraltar, you'll receive them only if you command the U 96. :D

Chisum

09-01-08, 04:14 PM

Unless of course, you ask for transfer to Mediterranean flotilla after docking.

Are you sure ?
Last time(when refueling at Bordeaux) it was not possible to be mutted.

Regarding the orders for going through Gibraltar, you'll receive them only if you command the U 96. :D

LOL !

;)

Brag

09-01-08, 04:21 PM

Well done, Herr Kaleun!:arrgh!:

meduza

09-01-08, 04:42 PM

Unless of course, you ask for transfer to Mediterranean flotilla after docking.
Are you sure ?
Last time(when refueling at Bordeaux) it was not possible to be mutted.

:hmm: I'm not sure, maybe you can apply for transfer from your home port only. I hope someone who knows will give us the answer.

Jimbuna

09-02-08, 04:52 AM

To qualify for a transfer you have to have completed 3 patrols or spent 6 months in your present Flotilla.

predavolk

09-02-08, 07:52 AM

Nicely done! I navigated the channel in 1940, 100% GWX 2.0. It's not too difficult early on, you just have to stay out of the path of destroyers. A lot of the surface ships you encounter are patrol boats that lack sonar, so you're good. In fact, I've done it twice. The first time, I surfaced at night without checking the surface and got ambushed by a patrol boat and a corvette! Luckily, flank ahead, some quick gunning, and I escaped with only minor damage. Fun times!

U-snafu

09-02-08, 12:03 PM

Chisum--nice last pic of the "return to home".

I also was able to make a run through the channel in GWX 2.1.

IT was in very stormy weather and rough seas & to be honest I cheated a little--when entering the "entrance" & exit" of the channel I "swam" a little ahead of my sub in f12 to check for possible mines in my path. (I know --not proud of it:oops: )

Chisum

09-02-08, 01:22 PM

Chisum--nice last pic of the "return to home".
Thanks, I like it too.
There is the same pic in 1024:
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6531/sh3img318200855024312an9.th.jpg (http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sh3img318200855024312an9.jpg)

And there is another one that I like too(actual screensaver). It was when arrival at Bordeaux:
http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/2694/sh3img31820083375615lv1.th.jpg (http://img367.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sh3img31820083375615lv1.jpg)

About the hot trip, next time I hope remember to take my camera to make a video.
It will probably be quite fun, I could go to the awards ceremony and win an Oscar for the most crazy subsim trip even if it is posthumously!
:lol:

Chisum

09-15-08, 10:08 AM

Finally I'm into the Mediteranean Sea after cruising trough the Gibraltar Chanel, january 11, 1941 !

No problem except very close about oxygen.

My tactic was cruising deep(-160m) and silent, 1 knt.

I have NOT a mission order to go at La Spezia and it means that I must cruising Gibraltar again to go back in my hometown...

Tell me good luck.
;)

U-123, over.

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6945/pass01mj5.jpg

Kielhauler1961

09-15-08, 10:21 AM

My latest skipper has just completed a Channel-dash, 27 - 30 July, 1940. Apart from two destroyers SW of Plymouth we saw no other hostiles at all. Passed the Straights of Dover in broad daylight (not bravado - just poor timing) on the surface and then ran like mad for Wilhelmshaven! We even had a Zerstorer escort part of the way.

GWX2.1/SH3 Com/16k Atmos.

Ping Panther

09-15-08, 10:27 AM

Bon Voyage! Good Luck!

Do you have a patrol destination in mind? Would you consider a run to Malta?

Chisum

09-15-08, 10:35 AM

Bon Voyage! Good Luck!

Merci beaucoup !
;)

Do you have a patrol destination in mind? Would you consider a run to Malta?

Why not ?
But I go at La Spezia at first to refuel and rearm.

It's really sad that I can't be transfered in the Mediteranean Sea after this trip.
I don't know really, but it's maybe possible to stay in the Mediteranean all the war long ??
What will happend when germany will be defeat on this operation theater if I'm in this sea ???

Kielhauler1961

09-15-08, 11:39 AM

If the sim mirrors history, after May 1943 the whole of North Africa will be 'red', then Sicily after July, and then southern Italy from September. The ports will gradually turn red all the way up the Italian coastline as the war progresses. You will be pushed further and further north and your area of operations will be severley limited.

In RL no U-Boat ever escaped from the Med. back into the Atlantic. That would be a challenge for you! But you will have to pick the right moment to escape.

bigboywooly

09-15-08, 12:11 PM

In RL no U-Boat ever escaped from the Med. back into the Atlantic. That would be a challenge for you! But you will have to pick the right moment to escape.
But Italian uboats travelled out of the med on way to Bordeaux
27 total made it through the straits

http://www.regiamarina.net/subs/documents/battleoftheatlantic/atlantic_2_us.htm#The%20transfer%20of%20Italian%20 submarines%20from%20the%20Mediterranean%20to%20the %20Atlantic

Kielhauler1961

09-15-08, 12:25 PM

That was in Summer, 1940, when the RN was occupied with Dunkirk. I don't know if any U-Boats even attempted the return trip, Hitler ws determined to keep the numbers up. I know it's not modelled in the game but doesn't the underwater current in the straights favour the trip into the Med. and the surface current the trip back outside? That would mean a submerged exit from the Med. would be very slooow, if not impossible. After 1941, a surfaced run past Gib. must be certain death!

Chisum

09-15-08, 01:48 PM

Damned...
I'm not yet out...

:-?

But I will try.
Need very bad wheather condition.

Kielhauler1961

09-15-08, 05:36 PM

Just found this...U-Boats and the Straits of Gibraltar:

http://formontana.net/uboats.html

Wekcome to 'The Mousetrap'.

Ping Panther

09-15-08, 06:40 PM

Nice article Kiel. Thanks!

Chisum

09-15-08, 11:33 PM

Very interresting to have a so good secret service !

Good article specialy to increase my poor english, now I know that I must say "Strait" and not "Detroit"(witch is the french name).

I note that the depth on our map it's always 1000m and in real it's maximum 300m sometime 100m.

I like this expression about the strait: "Mousetrap" !
Exactly that !

Kielhauler1961

09-16-08, 06:28 AM

I've figured out the way I would do it. At night, in poor vis., on the surface and using a westbound merchant ship as 'cover'. Stay on the southern side of the ship as your approach Gib., match his speed and hide behind his bulk. Just don't let him see you. You'll need to find a slow merchant so that your wake doesn't give you away.

Just a thought.

KH.

Jimbuna

09-16-08, 06:38 AM

You'd better pray they aint got the 'see through ships' radar fitted :lol:

Kielhauler1961

09-16-08, 07:13 AM

You'd better pray they aint got the 'see through ships' radar fitted :lol:

Is praying more effective than radar? If so, why doesn't GWX include a 'chaplain' qualification for the crew????? :rotfl:

Chisum

09-16-08, 08:01 AM

Can I show a brit flag and play the "Good save the king" on the gramophone ???

:D

Good idea about the merchant Kielhauler.
I can also following a DD but they are crusing in the wrong direction.

:lol:

Kielhauler1961

09-16-08, 08:12 AM

Another trick is to stay as close to the north Afrcan shoreline as possible, within a few hundred metres and at periscope depth. If you are detected the DD will charge towards you. Wait until the last possible moment and then ring-up 'back emergency'. The DD should run itself aground and you can continue...

Just keep an eye on your depth meter and your timing!

Chisum

09-16-08, 08:39 AM

It's a great idea !
It must be fun to do that, I'll try !

But my prefered is like I do to enter, run silent and run deep.
Just one problem: oxygen...

Must send some of my crew by the tubes to let all other alive.

Chisum

09-18-08, 06:56 AM

I'm in La Spezia savety.

Now refuel and rearm before a run near Malta, back at La Spezia and go to the Strait of Gibraltar.
It's my own program.

But I must to know something about the game: if I return I my homebase safely, and ask to be transfered in the Mediteranean Sea, when the war will be finished in this sector is the game will send me in an other base or my carrer will be finished too ?

Ping Panther

09-18-08, 07:27 AM

Chisum,

Please continue to send us screenshot "postcards" of your adventures in the Med.

Keilhauler's method of ghosting your U-boat behind a merchant to make an attempt to escape Gibraltar has my vote. It's a risky way to make the run, but isn't that what it's all about? If you are discovered lurking behind the merchant of choice, just stay tucked in as close to it as you can, ride it out, and hold on tight!

Chisum

09-18-08, 10:48 AM

Chisum,

Please continue to send us screenshot "postcards" of your adventures in the Med. I'll try to do it if I don't forget.
;)
Actually in the Strait of Messina.

Keilhauler's method of ghosting your U-boat behind a merchant to make an attempt to escape Gibraltar has my vote. It's a risky way to make the run, but isn't that what it's all about? If you are discovered lurking behind the merchant of choice, just stay tucked in as close to it as you can, ride it out, and hold on tight!
How can I follow a merchant at 6 or 8 knts ??
Not enought current in my battery...
Surfaced ??
It will be like a suicide no ??
Because dont forget: they have DD and S-Boat on the both side of the strait...

Kielhauler1961

09-18-08, 11:15 AM

Jimbuna

09-18-08, 12:44 PM

This is really starting to become quite a good source of entertainment :lol:

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/6942/popcorncowtx0.gif

Chisum

09-18-08, 12:46 PM

Yes, surfaced. Must be at night, in bad weather and shadowing a slow merchant (5-6knots). Try to keep about 300 - 500 metres from him. If the seas are rough this will help by giving you hydrophone contact from time to time when your boat dips below 10m. Otherwise, track him through your 'radar' UZO. Oh, and resist the urge to sink it!

You can't complain. You got yourself into this mess in the first place!:rotfl:

Consider that if I follow a merchant at only 300m or 500m she don't stays in a right road...Left, right, left, right...I don't know the word to explain this movement, in french "louvoyer". And it means that the DD will be alerted bye the merchant movements...

I can try but will resume a save if it no works. For me the best way still deep and silent. If I can pass from West to East I can pass trought from East to West.

I don't complain, I'm in the mousetrap but I'm a cat lol.
:lol:

StarLion45

09-18-08, 01:13 PM

:oDifficult:o
It's not so difficult to pass the gibraltar strait do like me
just yell at the british and you're through like this :

http://content.sweetim.com/sim/cpie/emoticons/00020150.gif (http://www.sweetim.com/s.asp?im=gen&ref=10)

:rotfl: :rotfl:

Task Force

09-18-08, 01:49 PM

Ive been through the channel. Mid 1941 with my uboat U-45, still liveing.:yep:

Kielhauler1961

09-18-08, 02:10 PM

..Left, right, left, right...I don't know the word to explain this movement, in french "louvoyer"...

...but I'm a cat lol.

The English phrase for 'louvoyer' is 'zig-zagging'. In poor visibility (rain, wind 15m/s second etc..) it's unlikely to spot you at more than 300m, unless you do something to give yourself away, like run too fast and creats a huge bow spalsh. That's why it needs to be a slow merchant.

As for 'The Mousetrap', we have an old English saying: 'Curiosity killed the cat'.:D

Doenitz wants to know if your insurance is up to date....?:-?

Clash

09-18-08, 06:22 PM

Task Force

09-18-08, 06:23 PM

Not safe to dive in the channel,found that it is mine city.

Chisum

09-19-08, 04:04 AM

You are so cruel...
:lol:

I'll do my best.
I must: I have a meet with Fraulein Frida who is waitting for me at Lorient !!!

:rotfl:

Kielhauler1961

09-19-08, 10:48 AM

I must: I have a meet with Fraulein Frida who is waitting for me at Lorient !!!

Frida??? I have a girl called Frida waiting for me at Lorient too!:huh:

Chisum

09-19-08, 10:57 AM

Probably the twisted sisters.

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/9910/u52bassin01xw1.jpg

:rotfl:

kylania

09-19-08, 12:10 PM

I think this was me in the channel in '44. I hit a mine and lost my engines. I slowed down and came to a sinking stop against this next mine! Actually hit the line just below the mine, then sunk straight down to the bottom. Destroyer finally finished me off as you can see it coming.

http://www.kylania.com/sh3/ohnoes.jpg

Sailor Steve

09-19-08, 12:31 PM

I must: I have a meet with Fraulein Frida who is waitting for me at Lorient !!!

Frida??? I have a girl called Frida waiting for me at Lorient too!:huh:
If you ever get the chance, watch U-Boote Westvaarts. They actually have two sailors talking about their girlfriends, only to find out it really is the same girl.:rotfl:

Chisum

09-23-08, 06:12 AM

Hi,

I'm damned for sure...

I was out of the Strait savety after 3 real cruel hours like this:
http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/9690/g01az4.jpg

In the night they was out of bomb but always over me in the right position.
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/2637/g02un3.jpg

Finally I'm save a little bit far away that the pic shows and right after that, you know what ? CTD !!!
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/7647/g03ou2.jpg

:damn::damn::damn::damn::damn::damn::damn::damn:

Kielhauler1961

09-23-08, 01:15 PM

If you are looking for sympathy you've come to the wrong forum.

Try 'Suicidal U-boat Captains Anonymous...':D

Task Force

09-23-08, 03:22 PM

Good luck with that.;)

Chisum

09-23-08, 07:51 PM

Thanks.
It's ok now, I'm in Cadiz near de m/v Thalia to refuel before back home at Lorient !!
It was a great moment specially when I command "surface".
Yeah we win !!!

:p

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/7012/sh3img249200813412843wx0.jpg