Quote:
Originally Posted by TorpX
Magic's explained it pretty well, but I will elaborate slightly:
The targets ship would have been determined well in advance by the plot, and the sub conned so that, the boat's track angle is 110 deg. The TDC would show the gyro angle ticking down towards zero. At this point they would make the attack (a few degrees gyro doesn't matter here). The periscope would be turned just in front of the stern and the bearing transmitted to the TDC (you have the PK off at this point), so the torp is launched at the moment the stern passes the wire. Then the periscope is turned so it is ahead of the MOT and the process is repeated. Finally the periscope is turned ahead of the bow and the last torp is launched. In this way the torps are aimed at stern, MOT, bow. The key here is that the periscope is turned ahead a few degrees for each shot. The order going stern to bow was preferred as this would make for a divergent spread and make it somewhat harder for a target to evade the torpedos.
I consider the system O'Kane and Morton used to be very effective. It allowed O'Kane to focus on making accurate observations and, Morton to focus on conning the boat into the best position. Many skippers would have been too egotistical to even consider this arrangement. It showed that Morton and O'Kane made a great team and also that Morton had great confidence in O'Kane. 
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Thanks for the elaboration Torpx. I'm now indulging in
Wahoo and soon (like 2 weeks) should get 5 extra books about WW2 American Fleet Boats.
I'm running hot, straight and normal when it comes to this...