A tactic I employed in SH3 GWX-3 was to attack the DD after he made his run at me (assuming I was able to evade and survive). I would turn sharply at the last to either side at flank speed to evade his DCs, then immediately as he passed me, turn sharply back to his course and simultaneously stop all engines. Drifting, I center my rudder, let them run past me and raise the scope. At about 200 yards they will start a turn one way or another. If they are going to cross my bow, I just let them continue their turn until the angle and range are right. If he turns away, I might have to start a turn in that direction to achieve a near-zero degree off the bow shot. Your best shot is when he is near-perpendicular to your course, and the range is over 300 yards (400 is better, but 500 or so is too much - he can speed up and evade). A single high speed torp is enough to nail the DD. Aim just between the bridge and the fore stack. That will still catch him if he spots the torp and tries to turn away. Either way, if you don't let him get too far out, and he does turn after his run, you have a great opportunity to nail him. This works just as well if he is coming on you from the bow and you evade. Just get your stern pointed to him after he turs. I picked up on this one from watching Kurt Jurgens try it on Robert Mitchum in "The Enemy Below".
I have to say this works better earlier in the war, before they get those damn Y guns. Later you have to be in the zone between stern drops and the Y gun patterns - and be VERY lucky. I also find that in SH4 (TMO+RSRD, both patched) the IJN DD's are less predicable than their British and US counterparts in SH3 GWX-3. But, if you add this to your bag of tricks, it may give you one more option to get rid of one or more of those pesky escorts besides a DTT shot. Hope it helps someone survive another day! Another cautionary note: The IJN DDs seem to be more cooperative in their attacks, coming at you from different directions and in fast sequence. You need to be steady and stay calm. Finish the one attack and then be prepared to immeidately take on his brother. When I know I'm going to have a chance to engage, I set ALL torps to high speed if they allow, and pre-open all doors so I am ready for a quick shot. Like the scouts say: Be Prepared! Good luck, Captains, and good hunting.
