[RoaldLarsen]

The described approach sounds close to ideal if one presumes that it is possible to make the sort of observations described. I wonder if it is possible to use this approach without some sort of unrealistic assistance with observing and plotting the enemy ships. How do you precisely measure the spacing between columns and rows, through a persisope in a boat that is bobbing up and down. What realism settings are you using, expecially regarding observation and plotting?

I play at 100% realism, so everything I plot I have to measure and mark myself. To get the information described, you have to make accurate range observations on at least three separate ships, plus observe and record several other ships. To measure thes distances with the accuracy that would seem to be required, one would have to make the observations from within the screen. This involves significant risk of exposure. I find I am often unable to obtain sufficient information of this type before being spotted. On my last attempted attack on a convoy, I was detected while attempting to make my first or second distance obsservation. I would not even have attempted this observation if I had had course and speed information, but since I had detected the convoy myself, by hydrophone, and it was moving fast, in restricted waters with a large number of enemy warships patrolling the area, I had limited opportinites to get the data necessary to plot an attack.

My primary objective is to survive, therefore I want to reduce risk, and maximize the reward for risk. That measn minimizing the number of observations that may lead to the enemy discovering my presence. I never have a separate observation phase from within the screen of a convoy. Once I get in undetected I am going to attack. My first objective after penetrating the screen is to locate two prime targets. If I have had the chance to observe the convoy from outside, I already have an idea of where they are. Next I want to make sure I have the data necessary to calculate a firing solution. Usually I will already have course and speed before I enter the convoy, but in the case above that was not possible. Then I adjust position to be able to attack, if necessary, then, and only if I have extra time, which is rare, do I make other observations. When I fire my second salvo, my periscope is already on the way down, and I alter course and dive immediately.

I have lost count of how many attacks I have attempted to make on convoys, but I estimate it to be well over 75. In all those attacks, I have only lost one boat to convoy escorts, and that was over 40 attacks ago (in 1942, coincidentally). The number of times I knew the total number of ships, the number of rows and columns, and the spacing between them is probably no more than 1/2 dozen, almost all before 1942. Most attempted attacks resulted in at least one ship sunk, the average is probably close to two. Most of the attempted attacks where I didn't sink anything were ones when I was detected before I could get to a firing position, either while attempting to penetrate the convoy screen, or more rarely, while making observations.