Convoy oddity

PappyCain · 03-09-09, 09:07 AM

April, 1944 I am sailing west after a tangle with the RAF and sinking a C2, I am WSW of Ireland. Was planning on recharging my crew with needed rest and moving some eels in calm seas.

Radar! No RAF so I slip down to 12 meters and listen. Props are definitely a warship. I track him and get into periscope position, bow to him. I see him and he is like a dog working sheep. Convoy I think and start a slow merge, it is 2000hrs. As I get closer I see this convoy seems to be doodling and then head west and I wonder why west?

I follow and they slowly turn WSW, then south. 0200 hrs. Odd methinks. Still not at a convoy speed but mooking about. 0230 and they are now SSE.

I decide to go E. They may be waiting for day break to steam N. Perhaps with my crew well rested, and if they move north at flank speed, I may be on a good position.

Question to experts:

Is this an programming thing?

Historical?

Is the convoy awaiting day break for a good run N?

Is the convoy awaiting air cover?

Salute all,
PC

RoaldLarsen · 03-09-09, 11:11 AM

Not likely that the convoy is waiting.

Could they be outbound from Bristol to Gibralter, and you happened upon where they change course?

I have come across a slow (5? knots) convoy headed to Gib in 1943.

GREY WOLF 3 · 03-09-09, 11:53 AM

Conveys zig zagged often to aviod the u-bout

PappyCain · 03-09-09, 05:21 PM

This convoy is not underway on specific route and is not zig-zagging but moving about in a wide circle - almost like a convoy getting organized or perhaps meeting up to merge with another convoy, or awaiting dawn, or awaiting air cover for a sprint to their destination. It is 1944, April and I have yet to experience this since '39 in the sim.

I recall convoys off Halifax in that 'era' rallying up at a point for a big push with other small convoys joining in as well as additional escorts.

Perhaps this is a possibility. Perhaps my immersion is getting the better of me.

Guess time will tell what final move they make.

HW3 · 03-10-09, 01:50 AM

If you happened to save within 50KM of them, and reloaded the save, they have lost their waypoints and will just meander around.

PappyCain · 03-10-09, 06:51 AM

That must be it! Thanks.

03-09-09, 09:07 AM	#1
PappyCain Samurai Navy Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: on the Atlantic Ocean Posts: 559 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Convoy oddity April, 1944 I am sailing west after a tangle with the RAF and sinking a C2, I am WSW of Ireland. Was planning on recharging my crew with needed rest and moving some eels in calm seas. Radar! No RAF so I slip down to 12 meters and listen. Props are definitely a warship. I track him and get into periscope position, bow to him. I see him and he is like a dog working sheep. Convoy I think and start a slow merge, it is 2000hrs. As I get closer I see this convoy seems to be doodling and then head west and I wonder why west? I follow and they slowly turn WSW, then south. 0200 hrs. Odd methinks. Still not at a convoy speed but mooking about. 0230 and they are now SSE. I decide to go E. They may be waiting for day break to steam N. Perhaps with my crew well rested, and if they move north at flank speed, I may be on a good position. Question to experts: Is this an programming thing? Historical? Is the convoy awaiting day break for a good run N? Is the convoy awaiting air cover? Salute all, PC

03-09-09, 11:11 AM	#2
RoaldLarsen Weps Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Control Room Posts: 355 Downloads: 8 Uploads: 0	Not likely that the convoy is waiting. Could they be outbound from Bristol to Gibralter, and you happened upon where they change course? I have come across a slow (5? knots) convoy headed to Gib in 1943. __________________ 100% realism, DiD Harbor Traffic 1.47(incl. RUB) Using SH3 Commander to implement many custom realism tweaks Covered 1939-1945; now restarting in 1939 again. Completed 39 careers, 210 war patrols, 4.7Mt sunk, 19 subs lost

03-10-09, 01:50 AM	#5
HW3 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Gresham Oregon Posts: 6,574 Downloads: 458 Uploads: 0	If you happened to save within 50KM of them, and reloaded the save, they have lost their waypoints and will just meander around. __________________ "Some ships are designed to sink...others require our assistance." Nathan Zelk

03-09-09, 11:53 AM	#3
GREY WOLF 3 中国水兵 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Down deep avoiding drm attacks Posts: 284 Downloads: 33 Uploads: 0	Conveys zig zagged often to aviod the u-bout

03-09-09, 05:21 PM	#4
PappyCain Samurai Navy Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: on the Atlantic Ocean Posts: 559 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	This convoy is not underway on specific route and is not zig-zagging but moving about in a wide circle - almost like a convoy getting organized or perhaps meeting up to merge with another convoy, or awaiting dawn, or awaiting air cover for a sprint to their destination. It is 1944, April and I have yet to experience this since '39 in the sim. I recall convoys off Halifax in that 'era' rallying up at a point for a big push with other small convoys joining in as well as additional escorts. Perhaps this is a possibility. Perhaps my immersion is getting the better of me. Guess time will tell what final move they make.

03-10-09, 06:51 AM	#6
PappyCain Samurai Navy Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: on the Atlantic Ocean Posts: 559 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	That must be it! Thanks.