[John O]

Depending on the year and the number of escorts, my tactics are different. Early in the war, I usually take on the escort if there are only one or two and then go after the merchants. Usually I do this from an oblique point (30-40 degrees) in front of the escort and always in silent running. I never attempt a reload when an escort is around. Later in the war when the escorts are more numerous and have better equipment for detection, I try to get inside the escorts shield by coming in behind one (120-130 degrees) and take a shot or two at a merchant in the rear of the convoy. Don't get greedy but attempt to get out quickly. If there is a "rear end charlie" escort behind the convoy, try to avoid him. Go deep quietly, don't change course more that 5 degrees at a time. Doesn't always work but there is always the game save feature of the game. Use it and refine your attack.