Is Lorient a bridge too far?

Von Tonner · 09-09-14, 09:28 AM

Based in Lorient and driving a V11B (1942) I was given CA 73 as my patrol area. I have never been in these waters before so other than it was a heck of a trip and I need to conserve fuel I did not know what to expect.

What I can say on arriving on post apart from the absolute crappy weather and the shallow waters (I prefer to operate in 1,000 m) is that it appeared that ALL vessels picked up by my sonar man appeared to be underway at standard or full speed making it difficult given that I need to conserve fuel to get into a position of attack.

One night however, a liner with all lights on passed in what was a very tempting position. Given that it was running with all lights I let it pass. I wish now I had not, as I have read that Hitler put a price on liners. Plus, vessels on the East coast of the States were not so inclined to run darkened. In addition, CO's of U-Boats were NOT, in 1940. restrained by the rules or requirements in establishing a vessel's nationality before attacking.

Having sunk a tanker which cost a lot of fuel to catch I asked my navigator to give me an estimate on how far we could travel on 1/3. His report was that we were over 3,000km short of Lorient on surface. I realise we could travel submerged and therefore add to that but still. It is risky and could cost me my boat.

Here is my question. A milk cow U461 (playing GWX) arrives on duty (CC61) on the 10th April 1942. It is currently 26 March 1942 and it will take me at least 9 to 11 days to reach the area.... I might have to wait out a few days but I have never in game connected with a "milk cow".

For those that have, what is the procedure. Must my sonar man find her?

I must admit I am quite excited by this opportunity as I have the choice of returning to the East coast and extending my stay.

09-09-14, 09:28 AM	#1
Von Tonner Seasoned Skipper Join Date: May 2005 Location: South Africa Posts: 711 Downloads: 44 Uploads: 0	Is Lorient a bridge too far? Based in Lorient and driving a V11B (1942) I was given CA 73 as my patrol area. I have never been in these waters before so other than it was a heck of a trip and I need to conserve fuel I did not know what to expect. What I can say on arriving on post apart from the absolute crappy weather and the shallow waters (I prefer to operate in 1,000 m) is that it appeared that ALL vessels picked up by my sonar man appeared to be underway at standard or full speed making it difficult given that I need to conserve fuel to get into a position of attack. One night however, a liner with all lights on passed in what was a very tempting position. Given that it was running with all lights I let it pass. I wish now I had not, as I have read that Hitler put a price on liners. Plus, vessels on the East coast of the States were not so inclined to run darkened. In addition, CO's of U-Boats were NOT, in 1940. restrained by the rules or requirements in establishing a vessel's nationality before attacking. Having sunk a tanker which cost a lot of fuel to catch I asked my navigator to give me an estimate on how far we could travel on 1/3. His report was that we were over 3,000km short of Lorient on surface. I realise we could travel submerged and therefore add to that but still. It is risky and could cost me my boat. Here is my question. A milk cow U461 (playing GWX) arrives on duty (CC61) on the 10th April 1942. It is currently 26 March 1942 and it will take me at least 9 to 11 days to reach the area.... I might have to wait out a few days but I have never in game connected with a "milk cow". For those that have, what is the procedure. Must my sonar man find her? I must admit I am quite excited by this opportunity as I have the choice of returning to the East coast and extending my stay.