IMO, the Type IID is the coolest boat there is. It has the fastest dive time of any boat, it's underwater sonar signature is low and it turns on a sixpence. With only five torpedoes you have to make sure every one counts and it hones your combat skills in shallow waters.
In 39/40, try patrolling the gap between Orkney and Shetland, then make your way SW towards the Scotland-Hebridies channel. Plenty of tonnage to be found there.
The other thing about this class is that you have a fairly small crew and do lots of shortish patrols, which means they accumulate experience, qualifications and awards faster than with any other type. When you upgrade to a VII or IX, you have an experienced cadre to take with you.
Transfer to Wilhelmshaven at the earliest opportunity as the Kiel Canal in/out will drive you nuts! After August 1940, transfer to Brest and go hunting in the Irish Sea/Bristol Channel. You can do three or four patrols in the same time it takes a VII to do ONE!
My last (unfortunately fatal) patrol in a Type II netted me 21,000 GRT. There are two mods at least that I know of to improve the Type II. If youi are interested let me know and I will track them down for you.
Good Hunting
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