Hmm...I have had a different experience in two consecutive patrols. Running GWX3.
Twice I have approached two different convoys from the front, running 1 kt silent running mid and late 1940, first time in 0kt winds, second in 4kt winds. Admittedly this was at at 90 deg AOB to cvy course but at PD. Both times I was detected by the lead escort.
The first time I may have been ogling a bit much with the scope, possibly, but I try to be careful. The second time, because this was the only reason I could think of, I was being exremely careful to take small quick peeks.
Still, both times the eerie sound of those pings came through the hull. First time I put the scope up to see her bearing down on me and crashed dived. She ripped my conning tower destoying both scopes, my radio, well, everything in the tower. Returned to base after I evaded.
Second time I got out of her way. But now I was unhappy
. I came back to to PD, took 2 two escorts out with torp spreads, one with the deck gun and severely crippled another, again with the DG. I was aiming to get an undefended cvy. Unfortunately the last escort sunk me marginally before I reckon I would have sunk her. One thing that amazed me was that the first escort I attacked with the DG. I destroyed her with three waterline hits at the bow and a couple of hits higher up on the hull.
OK not conventional but I was getting incredibly frustrated. All escorts were black swans BTW.
Anyway, sorry for the little sidetrack there!