Merchants with Sonar Gear
 

I have recently started to use TM 1.7. On the current patrol, I came across a pair of Small Split Old Frieghters that were listed as a TF and travel at 18 knots. So I line up a constant bearing approach and put a fish in the lead one (didn't sink).

Next thing I know, I have a pair of these Small Split Old Ferighters pinging me with sonar gear and dropping depth charges.

Is this a "feature" of TM or didn't something get messed up in the mod application.

Just wanted to make sure I didn't mess up my install.

Thanks,

BT

The Japanese did in fact install sonar on civilian ships towards the end of the war.

Thanks JREX53,

I didn't know this, though I am in mid 42 (I think)....the campaign that starts right after midway.

Do you know if this is represented in TM 1.7

re
 

btaft, you ran into a "q ship" aka decoy ship.These were freighters armed with heavy guns, sonar gear and depth charges.Mainly meant to lure subs in and then attack.They would often make them smaller so subs would try a surface gun attack, expose themselves, then the q ships would respond with a powerful amount of heavy cannon type fire and heavy (25mm) automatic fire.The idea stems from WW I, Allies did this to lure German U boats into attacks.

Ducimus created them for TMO, nothing is messed up.I forgot he created them and when I ran into one, didn't deem it worth my torpedos so tried a gun battle, uh it opened up and damaged me, i fired back and then in the tradition of the USS Growler, rammed the ship while making 21 knots, which was finished off by the ramming.I limped home with lesson learned.They also dangerous if they catch you submerged and sonar conditions are good, they can really lay down a pattern of depth charges.

I take it you survived, luck or since its earlier war, lack of skill on the enemy.Perhaps skill on your part.

Thanks Bubblehead,

I was familair with Q-ships, but I didn't realize the Japanese used them (thought they were mainly a British thing) also didn't realize they carried sonar gear.....and yes they were pretty persistent. It was relatively early in the war and escape unharmed (probably luck....lol) and was able to insert my spy in Bungo Straits.

Lucky you didn't run into Bungo Pete.....

Next time you go to the bungo, hang around, if you don't find him, he'll find you...

:O:

The japanese also used auxiliary escorts—converted merchantmen. They were not q-ships, per se, just filling a need for more escorts.

Many unarmed merchants also got hydrophones.