Quest for a Quarter Million Ton Patrol

BasilY · 09-13-08, 01:59 PM

GWX2.1

19 April - 10 Jul 1941, 0418 (83 Days)
Patrol results
Crew losses: 0
Ships sunk: 20
Aircraft destroyed: 0
Patrol tonnage: 252420 tons

CAPTAIN'S LOG

19 Apr 1941, Patrol 17
U-64, 2nd Flotilla
Left at: April 19, 1941, 00:51
From: Lorient

The patrol started normal enough, I left port, and head for my usual convoy hunting area north of Ireland. It didn't disappoint, as soon as I arrive I sunk a single merchant with 1 torp.

28 Apr 1941
1859 AM 57 Ship sunk! Coastal Freighter, 1874 tons

Convoy Action soon followed. I followed and attacked a incoming convoy, got 3 ships for 4 torps. 1 torp was either a dud or missed.

29 Apr 1941
2340 AM 2 Ship sunk! S.S. Collegian (Tramp Steamer), 2470 tons
30 Apr 1941
0047 AM 2 Ship sunk! M/V W. C. Yeager (Large Tanker), 10908 tons
1410 AM 52 Ship sunk! M/V Sakonnet (Large Tanker), 8936 tons

TONNAGE: 24118, TORP LEFT: 17

The weather had calmed, and I made use of my deck gun on two unlucky victims.
01 May 1941
0442 AM 52 Ship sunk! M/V Helder (Medium Cargo), 5551 tons
1433 AM 52 Ship sunk! S.S. Rattler (Passenger/Cargo), 2254 tons

TONNAGE: 31993, TORP LEFT: 17

Chased a few outboard convoy contacts without success, got all the way to the
coast of Iceland. Finally catch a juicy 2-ship convoy. They go down with 1 eel each.
15 May 1941
1739 AD 59 Ship sunk! Whale Factory Ship, 12016 tons
1802 AD 59 Ship sunk! M/V Lack Champlain (Modern Tanker), 8456 tons

TONNAGE: 52465, TORP LEFT: 15

The tempo of the patrol suddenly changed with a message to assist Bismarck at the Denmark Streit. I headed there from the south coast of Iceland. Suddenly, I was overtaken from the back by 2 bad boys without escort. They must be in a hurry. This should be my easiest big tonnage ever. The Hood exploded after hit by a two-torp spread from 500 meter away. The PoW immediately turn to port, ducking one of the two torps intended for her. I have to make a hard turn to utilize my 2 tail torps. In all, 6 eels were spent.

23 May 1941
0604 AE 74 Ship sunk! HMS Hood (HMS Hood), 48360 tons
0629 AE 74 Ship sunk! HMS Prince of Wales (HMS Prince of Wales), 35900 tons

TONNAGE: 136725, TORP LEFT: 9

After failing to meet Bismarck in the Denmark Streit, I headed back east, only to
meet another task force again. After some racing on the surface, I got into position 500 meters from my preys among 3 escorts. But I got my prizes, spent 2-torp spread each for my targets. 1 shot aimed at the Carrier missed, but the other one catch the rear magazine and the carrier exploded on the spot.

24 May 1941
1357 AE 75 Ship sunk! HMS Implacable (Illustrious class), 23000 tons
1409 AE 75 Ship sunk! Renown class, 48360 tons

TONNAGE: 208085, TORP LEFT: 5, 2 Bow, 3 Stern

Now, my aim was much higher, maybe I can get to 300k tonnage for this patrol if I
bag another big boy. At least I can aim at 250k. I so regret spending any torp
on small ships earlier.

I raced south in hope of catching another task force converging on Bismarck. I didn't find a thing, except the proud ship Bismarck circling hopeless in the water by herself. I decide against scuttling her with my guns or torps. I need them. The race south did waste me a third of my diesel.

As things calmed down. I headed to another of my usual hunting area south of Ireland, gave a pass on numerous small merchants, I was hoping for better things now. I also have to avoid convoys, I have too few torps to worth the risks.

A large merchant was encountered west of Ireland, British. This is a ship that I can guarantee a sinking with 1 torp. I figue it I pass on this target, I am just putting my boat in harm's way for nothing...

03 Jun 1941
0849 AM 87 Ship sunk! S.S. Berhala (Large Merchant), 6834 tons

TONNAGE: 214919, TORP LEFT: 4, 2 Bow, 2 Stern, deck gun 35.

Getting a bit bored, after pass on a number of smaller merchants. Then this coastal tanker came into view in calm sea. This is one ship that I can sink with Flak, so why not? I surfaced within 500 meters of the ship (after a final parascope check of course). And leisurely getting my flak ready, when... This little flak gun hiding in the middle of the ship opened up on me! Now flak gun is too slow, I turned to my deck gun. 10 shots later, she was dead. By my boat was shot up as well, with hull damage, don't know how bad.

06 Jun 1941
0359 AM 87 Ship sunk! S.S. Mount Myrto (Coastal Tanker), 1195 tons

TONNAGE: 216114, TORP LEFT: 4, 2 Bow, 2 Stern, deck gun 25.

Finally a ship by flak.
08 Jun 1941
1831 BF 12 Ship sunk! Motor Vessel, 114 tons

TONNAGE: 216228, TORP LEFT: 4, 2 Bow, 2 Stern, deck gun 25.

The weather had deteriorated. I again headed to the north coast of Ireland, and were handsomely rewarded by a squadron of 3 Cruisers without escort. It was no as easy as you think, as soon as the lead ship is hit, the other two began to manuvour wildly, I manage to hit another one with a keel shot, but the third sped away, choosing not to pick up any of her drawning comrades.

18 Jun 1941
0217 AM 53 Ship sunk! HMS Kenya (Fiji class), 10725 tons
0233 AM 53 Ship sunk! HMS Ceylon (Fiji class), 10725 tons

TONNAGE: 237678, TORP LEFT: 2, 2 Bow, 0 Stern, deck gun 25.

Now with 2 torps left, I can only aim at a Quarter Million.

Another Large Merchant fall victim.
23 Jun 1941
2313 AM 52 Ship sunk! S.S. Perdido (Large Merchant), 6835 tons

TONNAGE: 244513, TORP LEFT: 1, 1 Bow, 0 Stern, deck gun 25. The next ship better be 5000+. The weather was still too bad to use deck gun.

South of Ireland, sea finally calm. After numerous ship encounters, (including two large tankers that turned out to be American), This small tanker was sighted. A thourough inspection with the parascope found no defensive weapons. The tanker took 21 shots at close range.
06 Jul 1941
0146 BF 12 Ship sunk! S.S. Klickitat (Small Tanker), 5939 tons

TONNAGE: 250452, TORP LEFT: 1, 1 Bow, 0 Stern, deck gun 4.

Quarter Million Achieved, now anything else will be icing on the cake. The next ship, big or small, will be sunk.

08 Jul 1941
2330 BF 15 Ship sunk! S.S. Empire Caribou (Tramp Steamer), 1968 tons

This little ship survived the first torp. (believe me, I waited, she's armed with a tail gun.) Finally, I surfaced 2000 meter away, used my last 4 deck gun shells to send her to the bottom.

2 days later, I was back in port in St. Nazaire to claim the drinks promised by Flotilla Command.

10 Jul 1941, 0418
Patrol results
Crew losses: 0
Ships sunk: 20
Aircraft destroyed: 0
Patrol tonnage: 252420 tons

Capital Ships Sunk:
Fleet Carrier: 1
Battleship: 2
Battle Cruiser: 1
Medium Cruiser: 2

Brag · 09-13-08, 04:32 PM

Congratulations!!!
This will give Balz something to think about.

JMV · 09-13-08, 05:12 PM

@ Basily,

Bravo, and a bottle of Rum, you beat me.

See thread : A real carnage by JMV - 09 05 2008
How much % realism ???

JMV

TFatseas · 09-13-08, 06:01 PM

That's crazy.

I'm lucky if I can squeeze out 10,000.

Brag · 09-13-08, 06:12 PM

TFat seas--Welcome aboard! With a bit of time, you'll get fat patrols.

BasilY · 09-13-08, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMV

@ Basily,

Bravo, and a bottle of Rum, you beat me.

See thread : A real carnage by JMV - 09 05 2008
How much % realism ???

JMV

Realism @ 79%

BasilY · 09-13-08, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TFatseas

That's crazy.

I'm lucky if I can squeeze out 10,000.

Couldn't have done it without Bismarck sacrificing herself to attract all the capital ships of the RN out to sea. Maybe Raeder should consider using Tirpitz the same way.

drussxx · 09-14-08, 08:59 AM

nah. thats where he spends his summer holidays.it probably cannot move anyway. all the empty beer bottles and stale bratwurst thrown overboard are nearly touching the keel. :rotfl: .

predavolk · 09-14-08, 10:43 PM

79%?! I thought you were 100% all of the time!? What did you have turned off?

Otherwise, a great patrol that certainly made the best of the good fortune you had! You've also convinced me that this first, and only career, will be my last. I can't possibly imagine the scores I'd rack up, even in a VII, back in 1940 when there are plenty of unarmed merchants floating around.

1941 is still a fun time though, as you evidently discovered!

BasilY · 09-15-08, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by predavolk

79%?! I thought you were 100% all of the time!? What did you have turned off?

External view: I like to collect some trophy wallpapers.
Stablizing view: I play on a laptop, the touch pad is quite jumpy already
Target Identification: Doesn't like flipping through pages, especially while in a convoy with the escorts coming at you high speed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by predavolk

Otherwise, a great patrol that certainly made the best of the good fortune you had! You've also convinced me that this first, and only career, will be my last. I can't possibly imagine the scores I'd rack up, even in a VII, back in 1940 when there are plenty of unarmed merchants floating around.

1941 is still a fun time though, as you evidently discovered!

I think it will be difficult to replicate this result in any other time than during operation Rhein Excercise when so many capital ships at sea. And only in a IXB. However, I think it is possible to get to 300k if a player take full advantage of historical knowledge during this exact moment in time, and restrict himself to trophy hunting only.

predavolk · 09-15-08, 10:37 AM

Trophy hunting- that's a good comparison. I often settled for lesser merchants in my patrols (like, 95% of the opportunities for them), but you could really rack up the tonnage if you restricted yourself to the bigger ships. Nevertheless, 250K tons in a single mission is quite the accomplishment.

And your realism settings were nothing major. Heck, I'd consider switching to autorecognition after being annoyed at flipping through pages of sailboats, or ocean liners, to get to the merchants I hunt 90% of the time!

09-13-08, 01:59 PM	#1
BasilY Weps Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 359 Downloads: 4 Uploads: 0	Quest for a Quarter Million Ton Patrol GWX2.1 19 April - 10 Jul 1941, 0418 (83 Days) Patrol results Crew losses: 0 Ships sunk: 20 Aircraft destroyed: 0 Patrol tonnage: 252420 tons CAPTAIN'S LOG 19 Apr 1941, Patrol 17 U-64, 2nd Flotilla Left at: April 19, 1941, 00:51 From: Lorient The patrol started normal enough, I left port, and head for my usual convoy hunting area north of Ireland. It didn't disappoint, as soon as I arrive I sunk a single merchant with 1 torp. 28 Apr 1941 1859 AM 57 Ship sunk! Coastal Freighter, 1874 tons Convoy Action soon followed. I followed and attacked a incoming convoy, got 3 ships for 4 torps. 1 torp was either a dud or missed. 29 Apr 1941 2340 AM 2 Ship sunk! S.S. Collegian (Tramp Steamer), 2470 tons 30 Apr 1941 0047 AM 2 Ship sunk! M/V W. C. Yeager (Large Tanker), 10908 tons 1410 AM 52 Ship sunk! M/V Sakonnet (Large Tanker), 8936 tons TONNAGE: 24118, TORP LEFT: 17 The weather had calmed, and I made use of my deck gun on two unlucky victims. 01 May 1941 0442 AM 52 Ship sunk! M/V Helder (Medium Cargo), 5551 tons 1433 AM 52 Ship sunk! S.S. Rattler (Passenger/Cargo), 2254 tons TONNAGE: 31993, TORP LEFT: 17 Chased a few outboard convoy contacts without success, got all the way to the coast of Iceland. Finally catch a juicy 2-ship convoy. They go down with 1 eel each. 15 May 1941 1739 AD 59 Ship sunk! Whale Factory Ship, 12016 tons 1802 AD 59 Ship sunk! M/V Lack Champlain (Modern Tanker), 8456 tons TONNAGE: 52465, TORP LEFT: 15 The tempo of the patrol suddenly changed with a message to assist Bismarck at the Denmark Streit. I headed there from the south coast of Iceland. Suddenly, I was overtaken from the back by 2 bad boys without escort. They must be in a hurry. This should be my easiest big tonnage ever. The Hood exploded after hit by a two-torp spread from 500 meter away. The PoW immediately turn to port, ducking one of the two torps intended for her. I have to make a hard turn to utilize my 2 tail torps. In all, 6 eels were spent. 23 May 1941 0604 AE 74 Ship sunk! HMS Hood (HMS Hood), 48360 tons 0629 AE 74 Ship sunk! HMS Prince of Wales (HMS Prince of Wales), 35900 tons TONNAGE: 136725, TORP LEFT: 9 After failing to meet Bismarck in the Denmark Streit, I headed back east, only to meet another task force again. After some racing on the surface, I got into position 500 meters from my preys among 3 escorts. But I got my prizes, spent 2-torp spread each for my targets. 1 shot aimed at the Carrier missed, but the other one catch the rear magazine and the carrier exploded on the spot. 24 May 1941 1357 AE 75 Ship sunk! HMS Implacable (Illustrious class), 23000 tons 1409 AE 75 Ship sunk! Renown class, 48360 tons TONNAGE: 208085, TORP LEFT: 5, 2 Bow, 3 Stern Now, my aim was much higher, maybe I can get to 300k tonnage for this patrol if I bag another big boy. At least I can aim at 250k. I so regret spending any torp on small ships earlier. I raced south in hope of catching another task force converging on Bismarck. I didn't find a thing, except the proud ship Bismarck circling hopeless in the water by herself. I decide against scuttling her with my guns or torps. I need them. The race south did waste me a third of my diesel. As things calmed down. I headed to another of my usual hunting area south of Ireland, gave a pass on numerous small merchants, I was hoping for better things now. I also have to avoid convoys, I have too few torps to worth the risks. A large merchant was encountered west of Ireland, British. This is a ship that I can guarantee a sinking with 1 torp. I figue it I pass on this target, I am just putting my boat in harm's way for nothing... 03 Jun 1941 0849 AM 87 Ship sunk! S.S. Berhala (Large Merchant), 6834 tons TONNAGE: 214919, TORP LEFT: 4, 2 Bow, 2 Stern, deck gun 35. Getting a bit bored, after pass on a number of smaller merchants. Then this coastal tanker came into view in calm sea. This is one ship that I can sink with Flak, so why not? I surfaced within 500 meters of the ship (after a final parascope check of course). And leisurely getting my flak ready, when... This little flak gun hiding in the middle of the ship opened up on me! Now flak gun is too slow, I turned to my deck gun. 10 shots later, she was dead. By my boat was shot up as well, with hull damage, don't know how bad. 06 Jun 1941 0359 AM 87 Ship sunk! S.S. Mount Myrto (Coastal Tanker), 1195 tons TONNAGE: 216114, TORP LEFT: 4, 2 Bow, 2 Stern, deck gun 25. Finally a ship by flak. 08 Jun 1941 1831 BF 12 Ship sunk! Motor Vessel, 114 tons TONNAGE: 216228, TORP LEFT: 4, 2 Bow, 2 Stern, deck gun 25. The weather had deteriorated. I again headed to the north coast of Ireland, and were handsomely rewarded by a squadron of 3 Cruisers without escort. It was no as easy as you think, as soon as the lead ship is hit, the other two began to manuvour wildly, I manage to hit another one with a keel shot, but the third sped away, choosing not to pick up any of her drawning comrades. 18 Jun 1941 0217 AM 53 Ship sunk! HMS Kenya (Fiji class), 10725 tons 0233 AM 53 Ship sunk! HMS Ceylon (Fiji class), 10725 tons TONNAGE: 237678, TORP LEFT: 2, 2 Bow, 0 Stern, deck gun 25. Now with 2 torps left, I can only aim at a Quarter Million. Another Large Merchant fall victim. 23 Jun 1941 2313 AM 52 Ship sunk! S.S. Perdido (Large Merchant), 6835 tons TONNAGE: 244513, TORP LEFT: 1, 1 Bow, 0 Stern, deck gun 25. The next ship better be 5000+. The weather was still too bad to use deck gun. South of Ireland, sea finally calm. After numerous ship encounters, (including two large tankers that turned out to be American), This small tanker was sighted. A thourough inspection with the parascope found no defensive weapons. The tanker took 21 shots at close range. 06 Jul 1941 0146 BF 12 Ship sunk! S.S. Klickitat (Small Tanker), 5939 tons TONNAGE: 250452, TORP LEFT: 1, 1 Bow, 0 Stern, deck gun 4. Quarter Million Achieved, now anything else will be icing on the cake. The next ship, big or small, will be sunk. 08 Jul 1941 2330 BF 15 Ship sunk! S.S. Empire Caribou (Tramp Steamer), 1968 tons This little ship survived the first torp. (believe me, I waited, she's armed with a tail gun.) Finally, I surfaced 2000 meter away, used my last 4 deck gun shells to send her to the bottom. 2 days later, I was back in port in St. Nazaire to claim the drinks promised by Flotilla Command. 10 Jul 1941, 0418 Patrol results Crew losses: 0 Ships sunk: 20 Aircraft destroyed: 0 Patrol tonnage: 252420 tons Capital Ships Sunk: Fleet Carrier: 1 Battleship: 2 Battle Cruiser: 1 Medium Cruiser: 2 Last edited by BasilY; 09-13-08 at 07:18 PM.

09-13-08, 04:32 PM	#2
Brag Navy Seal Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Docked on a Russian pond Posts: 7,072 Downloads: 2 Uploads: 0	Congratulations!!! This will give Balz something to think about. __________________ Espionage, adventure, suspense, are just a click away Click here to look inside Brag's book: Amazon.com: Kingmaker: Alexey Braguine: Books Order Kingmaker here: http://www.subsim.com/store.html For Tactics visit:http://www.freewebs.com/kielman/

09-13-08, 06:12 PM	#5
Brag Navy Seal Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Docked on a Russian pond Posts: 7,072 Downloads: 2 Uploads: 0	TFat seas--Welcome aboard! With a bit of time, you'll get fat patrols. __________________ Espionage, adventure, suspense, are just a click away Click here to look inside Brag's book: Amazon.com: Kingmaker: Alexey Braguine: Books Order Kingmaker here: http://www.subsim.com/store.html For Tactics visit:http://www.freewebs.com/kielman/

09-14-08, 08:59 AM	#8
drussxx Seaman Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: wales uk Posts: 32 Downloads: 27 Uploads: 0	nah. thats where he spends his summer holidays.it probably cannot move anyway. all the empty beer bottles and stale bratwurst thrown overboard are nearly touching the keel. :rotfl: . __________________

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09-13-08, 05:12 PM	#3
JMV Sonar Guy Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Galway-IRELAND Posts: 397 Downloads: 179 Uploads: 0	@ Basily, Bravo, and a bottle of Rum, you beat me. See thread : A real carnage by JMV - 09 05 2008 How much % realism ??? JMV

09-13-08, 06:01 PM	#4
TFatseas Medic Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 166 Downloads: 2 Uploads: 0	That's crazy. I'm lucky if I can squeeze out 10,000.

09-14-08, 10:43 PM	#9
predavolk Weps Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 369 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	79%?! I thought you were 100% all of the time!? What did you have turned off? Otherwise, a great patrol that certainly made the best of the good fortune you had! You've also convinced me that this first, and only career, will be my last. I can't possibly imagine the scores I'd rack up, even in a VII, back in 1940 when there are plenty of unarmed merchants floating around. 1941 is still a fun time though, as you evidently discovered!

09-15-08, 10:37 AM	#11
predavolk Weps Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 369 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Trophy hunting- that's a good comparison. I often settled for lesser merchants in my patrols (like, 95% of the opportunities for them), but you could really rack up the tonnage if you restricted yourself to the bigger ships. Nevertheless, 250K tons in a single mission is quite the accomplishment. And your realism settings were nothing major. Heck, I'd consider switching to autorecognition after being annoyed at flipping through pages of sailboats, or ocean liners, to get to the merchants I hunt 90% of the time!