[Admiral_Stealth]

You are right. To survive 1943 to 1945 is a vast challenge. For what its worth I did and this is how. Dont please reduce the GWX2 challenge.

I always avoided as much as possible the areas of the map with air cover.
I kept my sub up to date with all technology, especially radar, torps and sound detection.
I never used pinging, just got to recognise the sounds.
My finger was always poised over the c button when travelling on surface in deep water only.
Whenever on the edges of aircovered water, and the radar detector indicated a beam I crash dived and moved at 2knts for at least an hour, to give air cover time to continue.
I attacked convoys only from diagonal front, with convoy torpedoes at 2,5km to 4k range. OFTEN THE CONVOY ESCAPED due to a change of direction or an escort being unexpectedly close.
I sparingly used a sound homing torpedo if necessary on the nearest destroyer if I judged he became a threat, ie was closing to within 2,5km thereby hoping the destroyers` source of my direction and location was lost. If I had a choice I took the destroyer equipped with hedgehogs. They were generally the best.
Oh yes always use silent running and stay deep, but my nerves couldnt take more than 140mtres as the boat was only just able to recover.
All the rest was said, be proactive at escaping, dont wait till detected, and keep your profile slim.
I use a 1941 1Xc which give me the exra number of torps.
Train your crew to give maximum speed of recovery for all requirements, including especially the officers.
Distribute the medals to those who serve you best.
Finally if your nerves cant take it any more, apply for a transfer to the far east where its easier to survive!