On patrol I usually travel at 8 knots, very economical on fuel for both the Type VII and IX. I choose what I hope is a well traveled square and set up a zig zag patrol path with the width of the pattern about half of a grid and corresponding to the most likely path of shipping.
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> Shipping travel path
Zig - Zag <
> <--------------
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>
If you get my drift.
If the grid pays off well (like BF 15) I'll stay for the whole patrol. If not, I'll move to another grid and set up the zig zag pattern again.
About the only time I go faster than 8 knots is for an intercept from a radio/BDU contact, or going home with no torps and lots of fuel.
Good hunting!
David I
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