[I'm goin' down]

Here is my dilemma. I have been developing this array of attack scenarios, including Dick O'Kane method, manual targeting, manual targeting with sonar only, and the Cromwell attack technique.

I returned to basics today and set up for manual targeting on a small passenger liner approaching from my starboard at 8.5 kts. I turned on the PK. I set the AoB on the stadimeter at 10 degrees starboard since the target was at a bearing of 80 degrees (roughly 4,000 yds.) starboard by turning the AoB dial on the stadimeter ten degrees to the target's starboard side. I set the range using SCAF mod after identifying the target as a small passenger liner. I had the sonarman reporting the target's bearing. The target's course was tracking it into postion to absorb a torpedo broadside in its starboard side at a range of around 1,000 yds. Although the range was not precise at a bearing of 80 degrees, it was close per the Attack Map display. The target's course appeared accurate per the Attack Map.

As the target closed, the TDC did its thing and AoB on the dial on the left side of the screen began to adjust position accordingly. As the target got closer, I rechecked the range on the stadimeter, and the white "x" and course line on the Attack Map appeared accurate. I submerged and fired when the target passed the bearing at 10 degrees, per the sonarman.

The first time I missed one shot because the torpedo depth was too deep and the other three shots passed the stern of the target, so their depth proved irrelevant. I saved the game, so I replayed the attack scenario 3 more times, and the second and third time all shots (eight shots total) missed, although not by much. The second time the shots were wide of the target's bow,and the third time they were wide of the stern. The fourth time one torpedo made impact and three missed the bow. Assuming the speed was recorded on the stadimeter accurately, AoB was easily set once I had the target's bearing. I do not understand why I am missing. Once the range and AoB are input the TDC should calculate the firing solution, assuming the target's speed is input into the stadimeter accurately. I only had one choice for torpedo speed on the boat I was operating. I am not sure if I put the crew at battle stations. Could that have been the problem?

I am unsure where I am making a mistake with the TDC. Any suggestions? My son, who is home for college, summarized the failures by saying my skills were pathetic, and I better go back to the Dick O'kane method or he would relieve me. I demoted him a rank for insubordination, confined him to base and docked him one week's pay (allowance). He guffawed and went AWOL, taking my car keys and car to see his girlfriend.