Quote:
Originally Posted by Wisq
So, long story short, this got me wondering — if modern, high-tech, computer-aided super-multi-frequency passive sonar can't pick up a surface ship chugging along at 5 to 8 knots only 8 NM away, how the heck did anyone ever find anyone else in WW2 (and in SH3/4)?
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Hi,
It seems that "Ultra" code breaking and radio interception played a massive part in the Submarine war during WW2 in the Pacific.
I'm reading "Silent Victory: The U.S. Submarine War against Japan" by Clay Blair. It appears to cover every noteworthy US Submarine war patrol for the entire war.
I was very surprised at how often, a majority of the time in patrols covered, US subs received intelligence on Japanese convoys, ship movements and warship activity. US code-breakers were able to read the Japanese maritime codes and military codes from the very beginning of the war, with information like ships "noon position" and destinations. Sub Captains would sometimes report something like "contact one hour early or late". But many warships and hundreds of transports were sunk with the use of Ultra intelligence.
Also by the time Submarine Captains returned to base the Admirals in charge would often have radio intercepts verifying sinkings and often would know more about the patrol's success than the Sub Captains themselves.
At least two German U boats bringing supplies and technology to Japan were also sunk by US subs with Ultra intelligence.
-It's a good book...
-Tim