Destroyers-Run or hide? What do YOU do?

[mookiemookie]

Originally Posted by P_Funk

Usually you're suppposed to avoid destroyers simply because (from a U-boats perspective) they aren't worth the effort given your primary objective; to sink enemy shipping and starve out Britain. Destroyers are numerous and losing a single destroyer to the Allies isn't a big hit, however the torpedoes which you expend in the act of destroying said destroyer (which can be many if you aren't practiced or lucky) would be much better spent nailing big fat merchants. That and the fact that a merchant isn't likely to sink you whereas losing a single U-boat, to Bdu, is a terrible loss.

My thoughts exactly, and this is how I play. About the only time I'll sink a DD is if I'm being harrassed and it's one of those "can't miss" stern shots down their throat. Nine times out of ten there's a much better target nearby, and in the cases where you come across a lone DD, it's usually better to just avoid it.

[Der Eisen-Wal]

really depends on how lucky I'm feeling. usually I won't waste the torps, because if you miss somehow or it doesn't sink you're going to have a bitch of a time for the next 2 hours trying to evade him. I used to go after lone or duet DDs in 40-41 but then i discovered the tankers and never go back. however during that time I've also raided several harbours and sunk several patrolling destroyers, if killing one will buy me time to escape, by all means. Even managed a stern shot once. After 43 or so I don't wanna mess with them in packs, I'd rather sink the tankers. Intercept convoy, wait for the DD's to pass, then unleash hell. Dive deep and change directions.