Unescorted large convoys

[Markus Witt]

Are unescorted large convoys common in TWOS? I know that unescorted small convoys exist in TWOS, but I had never seen an unescorted large convoy.
Until now that is, in my current patrol in June 1941 I came across a large convoy (about 45 ships) in grid BE31 completely unescorted. Seems odd to me to have a convoy that size unescorted in that location in that part of the war.

Has anybody else encountered unescorted large convoys in TWOS, or is something weird going on?

[kapuhy]

Are unescorted large convoys common in TWOS? I know that unescorted small convoys exist in TWOS, but I had never seen an unescorted large convoy.
Until now that is, in my current patrol in June 1941 I came across a large convoy (about 45 ships) in grid BE31 completely unescorted. Seems odd to me to have a convoy that size unescorted in that location in that part of the war.

Has anybody else encountered unescorted large convoys in TWOS, or is something weird going on?

Seems odd for sure. If you post exact date, position and what campaign are you currently playing, I could check mission editor to see what type of convoy could be there at this time and see its contents in campaign group definition.

Off the top of my head, perhaps all escorts have smaller than 100% spawn chance in this group type which in rare cases would result in complete lack of escort.

[Markus Witt]

If you post exact date, position and what campaign are you currently playing, I could check mission editor to see what type of convoy could be there at this time and see its contents in campaign group definition.

I received the contact report 17 June 1941 at 15:15 UTC. Convoy was in PQ AM7817 (51-41N 014-23W), reported course SSW and speed slow. Course was later determined at 190 and speed at 6.5 knots. Campaign is Eastern Approaches.
I intercepted this convoy in PQ BE 3160 and later again in BE 3460. Second time was during daytime and I could confirm positively that there were no escorts. Convoy consisted of 9 columns of each at least 5 ships, so at least 45 hips total. Biggest convoy I have encountered I believe.

[kapuhy]

I received the contact report 17 June 1941 at 15:15 UTC. Convoy was in PQ AM7817 (51-41N 014-23W), reported course SSW and speed slow. Course was later determined at 190 and speed at 6.5 knots.
I intercepted this convoy in PQ BE 3160 and later again in BE 3460. Second time was during daytime and I could confirm positively that there were no escorts. Convoy consisted of 9 columns of each at least 5 ships, so at least 45 ships total. Biggest convoy I have encountered I believe.

Thanks, I'll check it out in the evening.

[kapuhy]

Found it. The convoy in question was OG (Outbound Gibraltar) convoy. Spoiler alert:

In Western Approaches campaign files, it is assigned up to seven escorts, with 50% probability of spawn for first group (up to 5) and 20% probability of spawn for second group (up to 2) of escort ships. This means there is 40% probability this convoy will spawn with no escorts at all.

Since, to my knowledge, these convoys were heavily guarded, I would recommend to vdr1981 increasing escorts for this group type. In fact, just checked and there was equivalent historical convoy (OG 63, sailing in late May-early June 1941) that had 9 escorts assigned with 6 more joining in after it was attacked by U-Boats (EDIT: scratch that last sentence, more escorts actually joined before the attack).

[Markus Witt]

Found it.

Thanks! Well I'm glad it is not a corrupt save at least. I liked the size of this convoy, quite impressive to see, but no escorts made attacking it way too easy. I guess I will load an old save and continue from there.