Newbie Help-attacking Multiple targets

[vanjast]

Originally Posted by Pisces

When the last torpedo is fired, make haste in getting deep. I usually also turn in the same course as the convoy. I don't really want to be below them when they sink. Though the defending destroyers do try to avoid collisions. So being below the convoy does help. When you are at a deep depth I would slow down to a speed around 1 knot to reduce noise. Silent running also applies of course.

+1 for Pisces advice, but I take a different course for my escape route.
I take a course that in midway between the front and closest side escort, directly into the convoy. I try to keep close to the sinking ships as possible

Keeping track of all ships on the hydrophone I worm my way out the back of the convoy, usually at a bearing of 210 or thereabout of 180 of convoy course, to avoid the last escort.

IF there are too many escorts/Carriers (later years) I make only one attack and then leave the convoy alone - You've already woken them up so why tempt fate the next day.

[maillemaker]

IF there are too many escorts/Carriers (later years) I make only one attack and then leave the convoy alone - You've already woken them up so why tempt fate the next day.

Yup. Late war, especially in calm weather, you had best shoot from 5+ km away with pattern running torpedoes and dive deep as soon as you shoot. If they pin you down with multiple escorts late war you're screwed. Especially with hedgehogs.

Unless you have homing torpedoes. Then it's an escort turkey shoot.

Steve

[Pisces]

Originally Posted by vanjast

+1 for Pisces advice, but I take a different course for my escape route.
I take a course that in midway between the front and closest side escort, directly into the convoy. I try to keep close to the sinking ships as possible.
...

Yes, but that limits your attack at only a few ships in front of you. Possibly the one behind you can be done with the rear tube. But that does increase the stress level having to handle both sides at once. So I wouldn't suggest it for beginners.

[EDIT]Here is a animated gif by Rockin Robbins to illustrate the attack setup that I had in mind:

[maillemaker]

That's a great gif of how it should work in theory.

With map contacts off, I don't try to shoot over more than one row anymore. I try to get into the convoy so that there is a row behind me and in front of me. I shoot at the ships that pass immediately in front of me and wait for the next guy in line to come along.

As the war goes on, though, I probably won't be able to attack from short range anymore.

Steve

[Pisces]

Originally Posted by maillemaker

That's a great gif of how it should work in theory.
...

It not only works in theory, it also does in practise. But yeah, as the war progresses you life duration may vary.