Approach routes to the Biscay bases

[Marcello]

From Peillard "The battle of the Atlantic". Along the the black routes some escort would be available, typically R-boot/Sperrbrecher or similar. I have left the map as large as it came out on the thought it might be useful for plotting but if you guys think it should be reduced I will try to do what I can.



Link to the bigger version

[GJO]

In the game, especially after May 1943, I have found it safer to head out of St. Nazaire in the general direction of Santander and then hug the Spanish coast as far as possible. So far, I have managed to avoid detection by enemy patrols.

[u crank]

Originally Posted by GJO

In the game, especially after May 1943, I have found it safer to head out of St. Nazaire in the general direction of Santander and then hug the Spanish coast as far as possible. So far, I have managed to avoid detection by enemy patrols.

This is actually what they did do. It was called the Piening-Route, after Kapitänleutnant Adolf Piening, U 155, who created it in 1943. I've used it also and it works.

[GJO]

By 1943, so many boats were destined to have a short life (many being lost before completing their first patrol) that I guess you needed to be very clever or just plain suicidal if you planned to leave port at all . . .

[Pisces]

The large image does make the thread very difficult to read. You might just want to show a reduced size, but still provide the large one through a download link only.

[Marcello]

Originally Posted by Pisces

The large image does make the thread very difficult to read. You might just want to show a reduced size, but still provide the large one through a download link only.

Done

[maillemaker]

If you have RWR you can just cruise right across the Bay.

Steve

[Jimbuna]

Map of Biscay sinkings:

http://uboat.net/maps/biscay.htm

[Aktungbby]

Originally Posted by GJO

By 1943, so many boats were destined to have a short life (many being lost before completing their first patrol) that I guess you needed to be very clever or just plain suicidal if you planned to leave port at all . . .

Indeed! as with my boat u-666; attacked and lightly damaged off Ferrol by aircraft; while under command of under Oblt Ernst Wilberg; it continued the patrol and was sunk with all hands by aircraft 10 Feb 1944 in the North Atlantic west of Ireland, in position 53.56N, 17.16W, by depth charges from aircraft of the British escort carrier HMS Fencer. (Postwar assessment) Oblt Wilberg's career lasted aboard U-666 from 25/DEC/43 until 10/FEB/44...46 days.