It was customary during surface attacks for the first watch officer to be at the UZO and to call out all attack data. Submerged attacks were conducted by the captain at the attack scope.
German subs did not use an attack/plotting board. Speed, being the most critical factor input into the attack computer, was estimated based on experience. There was no 3-minute, 15-second method or rule based on plots. Angle on the bow was also estimated, easily determined by knowing the target's base course, u-boat's course and bearing to target (simple math). Distance to target intercept after firing was also an estimate but as in the game, the least important factor.
Experienced commanders and watch officer could probably call out this information rather quickly as any adjustments became necessary to the firing solution. Remember, commanders in training were required to make 60 surface attacks and 60 submerged attacks prior to firing a real life torpedo during training.
Therefore, the use of the Watch Officer in the game is probably not that far off from real life. Plus, the Watch officer in the game is not alway accurate. And, one person playing the game without the aid of real life crew members is at quite a disadvantage. Therefore, some allowances need to be made to assist the player as that player may well choose. It is a personal choice as to difficulty. It's only a game!
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