Wasted torpedoes? Not at all.
What would I have done differently?
Because I would do it differently, does not make your methods wrong.
In the initial attack I would have fired 3 torpedoes.
Confident in my speed estimation, 1 in the bow, 1 under the forward section of the bridge, and the final in the stern.
Were I unconfident in my speed estimation, 1 just forward of the target, 1 dead center, and the final just aft the target. (Usualy results in 2 hits, or at least a bone minimum of 1 hit).
Step 2 would be going to 50 meters depth, along the targets base course, reload the tubes, listen, and follow at low speed.
Step 3 is dictated by your judgement about Time Of Day, Weather, Location, Enemy ASW Capabilities.
The 0510 attack may have been a-little premature.
It take 60 minutes from last known contact time (torpedo impact in this case), before a merchant will resume steaming on a straight course.
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