[JoeCorrado]

My method is to get ahead of the convoy and to place myself in a good position for insertion. Ahead and to one side of the convoy, close enough (but not foolishly close) that I can sit quietly and await the passing of the lead escort with engines at idle and at a depth that I know my conning tower will not broach the waves. The current yaer has much to do with how close, is too close. Detection abilities increase as the war goes on.

Once the lead escort passes by I proceed rigged for silent running and at very slow (manually selected at 2 knots) speed, moving toward the convoy at an angle of about 30 degrees from their heading. This allows for a good angle to fire and also allows sufficient room to avoid the less vakuable outer ships. The most valuable prizes will be located in the middle of the convoy and not on the edges.

I raise and lower the periscope for brief periods during the approach (never at more than 1x TC) and will choose two or maybe three of the choicest targets. The targets selected are based upon value, location in convoy, having a clear shot at a reasonable angle (sometimes traffic can be a problem) and weather conditions.

In calm, clear conditions I will use magnetic triggers since the damage inflicted is more effective and a single torpedo can sink or cripple a ship (leaving it helpless and awaiting your convenience) more often, in rough seas- I use impact instead. If using impact triggers I target just two ships and send two torpedos set for appropriate depths and at a 1.5 degree angle. Don't forget to use the "Q" key to open torpedo doors before firing.

After my initial salvo, I will immediately switch off of silent running to allow my crew (which I have fresh and at 100% capacity) a little time to reload a torp or two while under cover of the noise and confusion. I will also consider any targets of convenience for my rear torpedo. I will not wait or seek out a target, but will take a quick shot if one is there for the taking.

Do not become so consumed with your targets that you fail to keep close tbs on what is happening around you in terms of the escorts or any smaller ships that are nearby and who may decide to ram you if you are sited- or just happen to be in their path. If there is threat of immediate detection by passing ships or escorts be very vigilant and remember descretion is the better part of valor!. Usually you will have a few minutes grace before the escorts get turned around or are able to close. Use the time wisely.

it is just a matter of your skill and confidence in how far you push your luck but this has been a good strategy for me. My initial tagets either die quickly or are left helpless awaiting my next run. That is the key... you do not have to eat the whole elephant at one sitting. Take the best targets and then escape / evade and set up for your next attack.

Sometimes, in very bad weather- you must follow the convoy just out of site for a day or two until weather gives you the opportunity you are looking for. High waves and bad visibility are a bad combination. Smooth water and less than optimal visibility are your friends. You do present a smaller footprint than your prey so stealth is your best ally... use this strength, but be careful to not get stepped on in your eagerness.