To keep adding to this, late 1940, I have just ravaged several more convoys. Evasion was remarkably simple. My biggest tip, that I haven't heard mentioned often here, is to run FLANK for a minute or two, NOT to dive silently right away as I have been advised. Running flank seems to get you away from the firing spot, preventing the closing escort from finding you. Said escort is usually charging in, so you have the time to put on some speed without being detected. This gives you the critical advantage of first evasion.
The last six or seven convoys I've attacked have been the same. Submerged, periscope depth, 1-2kts, TC until they get close enough to attack. Then attack, once finished attack run flank 90 degrees from position. Evade first depth charge attack by flank and another ninety, and by then I'm below 100M closing on 160M, slow to silent, and merrily TC your way out. Slow the TC when you expect a depth charge attack (usually takes 3 minutes) to make sure they're falling behind you, then you're home free! Rinse and repeat. I've had some bad luck with torpedo shots, and left a couple of wounded ships, but it's been good for an 80K and a 70K patrol respectively. The 70K was done in tanker alley (BE 39), where, most significantly, the wind was below 5knts max. So I'm not sure what I'm doing better now than before, but TC can work in calm seas too. That's very handy to know. I finished the entire patrol in 4-5 hours real time!
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