Task Force: 0 U-338: 2!

[kylania]

So I switched to La Spezia tonite for a change of pace. Swapped out my old IXC for a brand spanking new VIIC. It's now Feb '42.

I'm on my way to my patrol grid when the lookouts call "Warship spotted!" I rush to the bridge and sure enough, I've stumbled upon a fast moving Task Force coming up from behind me. Three Hunt I/III destroyers, two Dido Light Cruisers and a Fiji Light Cruiser.

Baby bottom smooth water, not a cloud in sight. I drop to periscope depth, set a rought intercept course and wait till they get closer.

I finally take a peek through the periscope once my sonarman says they are around 300 or so bearing. Almost a perfect shot, but they are still 4km away. I risk speeding up a bit to close the distance while still being in range. At 2km I let four eels go. Aimed at the Fiji which is overlapping with both Didos, so I set a 10 degree spread.

First eel nails the Fiji in the stern, just ahead of the props. Second eel smack in it's bow. Too bad there wasn't bad weather, that might have helped flooding. Fiji's on fire now, but the other two apparently missed. Starboard side Hunt III turns and starts trying to find me, but seems to be moving aimlessly. BOOM! Third eel actually did hit!! Nailed the far Dido in it's engineering compartment, dead in the water!! Another Hunt III joins the chase for me.

After a few minutes it seems clear the destroyers haven't a clue where I am. Heard some screws near overhead, but not a single depth charge. Up to periscope from 60m while reloading. I see the Hunt 1200m behind me... ooh it's a Happy Day indeed! Launch a homing torpedo from the stern tube at him and turn away.

Few minutes later I hear the boom.. nailed the Hunt in the props, it slowly glides to a stop. The other Hunt can be seen rejoining the rest of the Task Force about 15km distant, leaving their two friends to my loving care.

Steamer eel to the backbone of the Hunt breaks it in two and down she goes. Now I turn into the Dido that's been waiting patiently. I need to wait another 30 minutes since all I have ready are homing torpedos. Finally two steamers are up and ready, fire one aiming for the rear ammo. Hit, but no explosion, just fire. Wait a while and aim the last steamer at the fuel compartment. BIIG explosion, but she's still afloat, but the stern is riding low.

About 1 hour later she finally falls into the sea, stern first. 1050 tons for the Hunt and 5900 tons for the Dido. My first two Warship kills!! YAY!