[KPII]

5. October 1940, Tanker Alley

Just had my first successful large convoy attack and the most amazing spread.

In my previous convoy attacks I've been approaching from 45 degrees a beam, surfaced - increase to flank speed when near visul detection range - dive, kill the engine and drift into a distance of approx. 1 nm. This doesen't work for me in SHIII as the ASDIC picks me up every time.

This time I tried a different tactics and approached from close to 90 degrees a beam - expected to miss the convoy, but after having evaded the flank escort I found myself between the two nearest columns - a little too close for comfort! I had the weather in my favour and due to a few miserable convoy attacks I decided to take my time and get some proper firing solutions programmed instead of the rush jobs I've done earlier. I select a Medium Tanker and a Large Merchant (a C-2?) for my two spreads and down-periscope to do my calculus. When I'm ready I raise periscope with my finger on the trigger and sweaty palms - when moving the scope back to the Medium Tanker I spot the "HMS Nelson". This is the first time I have a Battleship in my sights, so I decide that it at least deserves a try, even though it's a poor AOB and almost 2500 meters. I fire a two torpedo spread at the Tanker, one fish at the Large Merchant and swing the periscope around to fire one T-II set for magnetic detonation at the Nelson. For good measure I fire tube 5 at an Ore Carrier directly on my 6 at 800 yards.

All my fish hits their targets except one - it passes the tanker and scores a one-shot kill on a Medium Merchant! The Nelson and the Tanker are also one-shot kills, the C-2 sinks later on and the ore carrier get's it in the rudder, but continues. I walk away with 50,000 tonnes for the costs of 5 torpedoes!