British Radar in Nov. 1941?

Andrewsdad · 07-27-23, 12:29 PM

A afternoon attack on a convoy in 7 m/s wind and "zero" visibility. I made a surface approach knowing that I could probably slip in unseen.

Since I could not see anything on the surface I needed to make one last quick sound check so down to periscope depth. Unfortunately, a destroyer was close enough that he detected the boat and I was now the hunted.

For 5 hours he made pass after pass. I was sure he had expended all of his depth charges, but I was still pinned down. The sea state was in his favor, the ASDIC pings were relentless.

My plan was to wait for darkness, rise to periscope depth and when he passes over and extends away astern I will surface and "Beide maschinen volle kraft voraus!"

Well, it worked!! I made a clean escape! Set a course away from the direction the convoy had gone and ran as if the devil was after me in the fog!!!

What a relief!! I thought I was a goner for sure.

20 minutes later! "Destroyer astern!! It's going to ram!!!" Yup, there he was searchlight blinding us and shooting to kill !!!

Ok, was it just a lucky destroyer or a radar in November 1941?

Using Onalex mod.

Salute, AD

07-27-23, 12:29 PM	#1
Andrewsdad Machinist's Mate Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 130 Downloads: 81 Uploads: 0	British Radar in Nov. 1941? A afternoon attack on a convoy in 7 m/s wind and "zero" visibility. I made a surface approach knowing that I could probably slip in unseen. Since I could not see anything on the surface I needed to make one last quick sound check so down to periscope depth. Unfortunately, a destroyer was close enough that he detected the boat and I was now the hunted. For 5 hours he made pass after pass. I was sure he had expended all of his depth charges, but I was still pinned down. The sea state was in his favor, the ASDIC pings were relentless. My plan was to wait for darkness, rise to periscope depth and when he passes over and extends away astern I will surface and "Beide maschinen volle kraft voraus!" Well, it worked!! I made a clean escape! Set a course away from the direction the convoy had gone and ran as if the devil was after me in the fog!!! What a relief!! I thought I was a goner for sure. 20 minutes later! "Destroyer astern!! It's going to ram!!!" Yup, there he was searchlight blinding us and shooting to kill !!! Ok, was it just a lucky destroyer or a radar in November 1941? Using Onalex mod. Salute, AD