RoamingAlied destroyers

[Earlmarion]

Realizing that any alied unit is the enemy should we "go out of the way" while in transit to sink those roaming destroyers or just avoid them?

[wetgoat]

It is tempting early in the war to go after them , (they aren't that good) , however , I believe the german naval command wanted their boats to save their torps for merchant ships, and/or capital ships. Besides, later in the war, you will want to avoid them , if at all possible, because they are bad news !

[Torplexed]

If being a tonnage ace is your goal then destoyers and other escorts alone don't count for much.

But if you knock off all or some of a convoy's escorts then racking up some quick tonnage suddenly becomes a lot easier. :cool:

[MarshalLaw]

If you find a lone destoryer crossing your path going at least 14 knots and you have the torpedoes to spare. Then give her a shot. At that speed and higher their detection ability is not good, so you can get somewhat close without being detected. I would also recommend a stern shot so you can be moving away as the torpedo heads toward you target. You'll need the extra distance if you miss.

If more than one avoid them. Hunter killer groups later in the war, don't mess with them either. usually at least 4 escorts , plus planes from the carrier to deal with. :nope:

[Krumenacker]

I never used to, however, I read the "u-boot commanders handbook", and have changed to a more historical approach. The u-boot is a weapon of opportunity. This does not mean one goes out to hunt destroyers, instead you should always take a shot if you have one.

Example attack according the historical document.
1. A dark night, warship spotted, go to flank speed, take half a second to look and think if any shot is possible, usually only a 90 AOB will work.
2. if not-GET AWAY-Stay surfaced at flank and try to put your stern to its stern and get away. Only dive if you are spotted. Otherwise create distance.
if yes- ATTACK-Stay at flank, go to periscope depth, all torpedoes should already be set identically(not enough time to do it now), prepare a 3 shot spread.
3. Take your shot, hook a 90 toward the stern(putting you in opposite directions) and get out of there at flank, surfacing after you have few thousand meter seperation and continuing at flank.



Essentially you are a 45kg weakling hiding in a dark room with a baseball bat. Smack the first person who comes through the door. Run out the back door. Read the police report the next day to see if you hurt anyone.

Interestingly enough, I found you don't have to make it to your patrol area if you come into contact with a cruiser or larger.