Sniper dear heart, I see all that you say makes perfect sense and have no argument with it. When in a Porpoise or equipped with the later torps I have had some success, now and then, to 'bag a biggie' using a creep toward and stay quiet and on the fringe until the escorts are passed strategy. However, can I ask whatI ought to have done differently in this mission? I was starting a new career based in Manila in an SS-18 with torps that only have a range of 3500 yards. I was cruising up the Luzon Straits, minding my own biz, on the way to my patrol area when I saw a huge battlefleet coming straight toward me. With eyes like saucers I waited and watched until I could pick out which would be the best target and how I needed to place my sub for a 90 degree shot - but of course I would have to be a lot closer in with such short-range torpedoes - so I started edging forward at 1/3rd with the intention of getting close enough and then swinging round as the ship passed. Well, never got that far as the escorts knew I was there long before I got into range of the big boys, and started dc'ing my position. I tried several times,going back to the save and attempting a different angle but each time the escorts found me and I eventually retired and watched my prize steam away untouched. Should I have gone deep? Should I have switched off engines ( but then how would I get close enough to attack)? I am sure a REAL skipper would have done something, but I snuk off with my tail between my legs....
ps this is in summer 1941
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