Quote:
Originally Posted by troopie
That real sub captains had as much success as they did is incredible!
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They often had a little better info then you may be led to believe. I mean, if James Calvert earned the reputation as a TDC wiz, that means he was able to develop accurate data to input. The two conditions (TDC expertise and unknown data) can not exist in the same universe.
They used everything at their disposal. I tend to think they did more basic trig in estimating range using periscope tick marks and estimated mast height, rather than trust a dial and prism's "inaccuracy".
And you can read in many books how solutions that missed were later broken down in the ward room and mistakes found. You can't find mistakes unless you are fairly sure what the data was (supposed to be) in first place.
It is amazing how accurate they could be, especially in mult-ship rapid fire engagements. Remember, their were usually several highly trained officers operating together during tracking and attack, with each team able to check and share information between them. They formed an amazing human computer, and training and doctrine served them well.