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Originally Posted by MarkShot
I was reading some German notes (formerly classified) on sub ops. It noted interestingly that even in heavy seas where the sub would be difficult to spot, the sub could always get picked up by a swell such that briefly the sub would be easy to spot as it would cease to be hull down.
Also, interesting that the Germans considered a raised scope while on the surface a servere liability as it would make the U-boat easier to spot. Whereas the Americans often patroled with the "high periscope" while surfaced to extend the field of vision. Perhaps this was because the lack of periscope sheers on the U-boat would induce too much vibration into the raised periscope.
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this is correct, any surfaced ww2 submarine would be substantially easier to spot if it were carried to the top of a swell.
I once heard a military quote "There are no straight lines in nature."
This quote holds true from a trip wire in "the bush" all the way to the hard right angles which make up the structure of a conning tower protruding from the open sea. If a watchman is keen enough and knowlegable enough on "what to look for" all of the stealth and cunning you can muster just might not be enough.
good luck out there!
"Patience is the best of all instructors."