Saved by shallow water

[TorpX]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

Not necessarily. First, the bottom is rarely smooth, and irregularities cause sonar to reflect in random directions, helping to hide the sub. Second, the sand helps to absorb the force of the blast. I'm not saying it's perfect, as one close hit can end it all, and we have no record of the subs it didn't work for, but it was done and sometimes done very well. Re-read my links about S-38.

I know of the S-38. I don't dispute that this tactic was done on occasion, but I think it was unusual. The incidents with the S-38 happened early in the war, when IJN ASW tactics were of a lower standard. I think most sub crews disliked (or even dreaded) shallow water encounters with DD's and ASW ships.