Task forces - what to do around them?

[desirableroasted]

If a TF runs right over me, I will attack, usually, but not without a big sense of dread. Still, nice to sink a BB.

Tactics that seem to work for me:

1) Attack only at night, or in sloppy, overcast weather.

2) Don't be greedy. Pick one target & be glad for the chance.

3) Use TIIs if you have them.

4) Take your first good shot; don't worry about "best". If that means using magnetics from 5000 out, then do it. Waiting for the 2000 meter 90AOB impact shot may well be the last wait of your career.

5) Don't fire a salvo. Take the 20-30 seconds extra it takes to make four measured, well-aimed shots (this doesn't apply if you are doing manual targeting).

6) For god's sake, don't wait around for the fireworks. Fire and dive.

7) Can your VIIB go to 240m? Now is a good time to find out.

[Captain Nemo]

Returning from my most recent patrol (December 1940) because of low fuel I still had four torpedoes left in the bow tubes. North west of Scotland my sound man picks up several warships closing fast. After listening for a while I worked out they were more or less coming straight at me. I thought this was an opportunuty to good to miss. I went to silent running and came up to periscope depth. The weather was overcast and the seas rough and dawn was just breaking. When they were close enough I spotted a Fleet Carrier right in the middle of the task force and worked out that it would pass about 1,500 metres right in front of me. I set the torps to fire a salvo at 2 metre depth using impact pistols and a 2 degree spread angle. As soon as I fired I dived down to 150 metres. Three torps hit and one missed. Two of the escorts came looking for me but I'm glad to say the didn't even get a sniff of where I was hiding. About twenty minutes after firing the carrier went down. As desirableroasted says, if they are coming right at you it presents an opportunity not to be missed.

Nemo