Live and let live convoy attack

08-09-13, 11:32 AM

Ahoi! It's April 1941 north of the Canary Islands when I got a report of a large enemy convoy heading north with slow speed. I moved to intercept course at once, made sound contact just before sunset. As BdU ordered individual attack, I decided to do a usual night surface run at the convoy.

BUT!!! After 2 unexpected hard days I decided to give up chasing.
My stats during these 2 days:

9 approaches from port, 5 from starboard
11 surface approaches, 3 submerged
2 visual contacts with a merchant
12 times forced to dive and depth charged by escorts

In addition, weather got overcast firstly then foggy decreasing visibility to merely 1000 m. Since depth charging damaged the hull of my boat plus fuel level dropped drastically (to say nothing of the nervous system of my crew) I eventually decided to let this convoy get away and continue patrolling my assigned grid.

I feel terribly ashamed of retreating but for me the integrity of my crew and boat comes first and only then the tonnage. I know it's not the best philosophy from a U-boat commander but I think it's foolish to throw the lives of my men away for nothing.

By the way, that convoy seriously abounded in escorts that must have been equipped with radar since they almost always knew my position even in complete darkness. Due to harsh sea midday submerged attack was also a pain to perform.

I looks like the Tommies learned their lesson and Happy Times are about to end.

08-09-13, 11:32 AM	#1
allievo Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	Live and let live convoy attack Ahoi! It's April 1941 north of the Canary Islands when I got a report of a large enemy convoy heading north with slow speed. I moved to intercept course at once, made sound contact just before sunset. As BdU ordered individual attack, I decided to do a usual night surface run at the convoy. BUT!!! After 2 unexpected hard days I decided to give up chasing. My stats during these 2 days: 9 approaches from port, 5 from starboard 11 surface approaches, 3 submerged 2 visual contacts with a merchant 12 times forced to dive and depth charged by escorts In addition, weather got overcast firstly then foggy decreasing visibility to merely 1000 m. Since depth charging damaged the hull of my boat plus fuel level dropped drastically (to say nothing of the nervous system of my crew) I eventually decided to let this convoy get away and continue patrolling my assigned grid. I feel terribly ashamed of retreating but for me the integrity of my crew and boat comes first and only then the tonnage. I know it's not the best philosophy from a U-boat commander but I think it's foolish to throw the lives of my men away for nothing. By the way, that convoy seriously abounded in escorts that must have been equipped with radar since they almost always knew my position even in complete darkness. Due to harsh sea midday submerged attack was also a pain to perform. I looks like the Tommies learned their lesson and Happy Times are about to end.