[Rambler241]

I did - with a shot from just under 3K. No apparent reaction from the escorts, so I closed with the first T3, and hit it at a range of about 500m - big explosion, but didn't sink immediately. By now a C3 was close behind - too close at 250m, so I risked standard speed to increase the gap, keeping an eye on the CM bearing down on my port side. Got the shot off at just over 300m bearing 180 almost exactly and ordered "normal dive" hoping the CM wouldn't end my career. Loud explosion heard over the sound of the CM passing (just) overhead. Slowed to 2 knots, silent routine, and ordered periscope depth. The second T3 had turned to port increasing the range, or I'd have been too close. Stop engines and waited for it to approach bearing 0 degrees while still at 14m depth, fired last fish at 330m, range increasing slowly. 'Scope down, ordered depth of 80m to be safe, course 30 deg. to starboard just as the Type 1 hit. Massive explosion - instant "ship sunk" icon on the map to add to the other 3 - the first T3 must have sunk also, along with the C3.

Time to break out the brown trousers - I had two DDs close on my tail. One stopped - either listening, or perhaps waiting for a merchant to pass in front. The other was on my starboard quarter, very close, and started an attack run. Flank speed, ordered 60m depth, hoping the DCs were fused at my current depth, and ordered a depth ping (nothing to lose now). Depth below keel 16m, so bottom must be 95m. Shaken but not stirred by first attack, I survive almost 2 hours of attacks, changing direction and depth frequently. Finally one DD breaks off, and the other is still dropping charges well astern of me. Creep away to fight on - I've still got plenty of deck gun ammo left.

I'd say this is a prime example of my motto "don't panic". Keep your head, don't rush things, and don't forget to open the tube doors in advance!