The Invisible Enemy

[Franconicus]

Alright, after the sudden death of the Axis team, I am going to restart the WW2 naval story. This time as a one side story - well, maybe I can motivate another forum to fight against you, but it is hard to find players for the Axis. Don`t know why.

[Fisherking]

thanks :)

[King Kurt]

I echo Fischer's vote of thanks. Franc it would be good to continue the story with you in nominal charge of the Axis - if our actions need you to make a decision - for example be fooled by a dummy attack - you could use a dice throw to determine the outcome - 1,2,3, take the bait 4,5 - see through the ruse 6 break off attack all together. You could weigh the strength the choices on the strength of our proposal. I intend to do something like this when i finally get round to doing Midway - the players are the Japanese and I will be the US.

On a different note, I looked through the Axis thread when the failure of the 2 thread approach was annouced. What was interesting was to compare the 2 approaches. We had concentrated on building our knowledge and discussing tactic while the others seemed to spend a lot of time worrying about us looking at their discussions. For my part, I had no inclination to look at their thread as I thought the best part of the IH was not knowing what the other side had in mind. When we would had reached the inevitable point of contact it would have been really good to have tried to 2nd guess what they were doing. Perhaps we can give it another go in the future.

[Franconicus]

Chapter 1 – autumn 1941

A small tanker convoy is sailing northwards along the western coast of Africa. It is escorted by the 36 Escort Group, consisting of two sloops and seven corvettes. On deck of the Bittern-class sloop Stork stand the leader of the convoy, 45 years old Frederic John Walker. Although he watches the sea, the convoy is outside of the usual hunting grounds of the German submarines and out of the range of the German air force. And so his thoughts begin to wander and he starts to reflect his career.

He served in the Royal Navy since 1914. Twenty-seven long years! When the Second World War began, in 1939, his career seemed at dead end. Still a Commander, he had been ignored for promotion to captain and indeed had been scheduled for early retirement. He gained a reprieve, however, due to the commencement of war and in 1940 was appointed as Operations Staff Officer to Vice-Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay. Even so, he still had not been given a command, despite expertise in anti-submarine warfare that would no doubt be indispensable in the Battle of the Atlantic. During the Dunkirk evacuations he was Mentioned in Despatches for his work during the evacuation.

Walker finally received a command in October 1941, taking control of the 36th Escort Group, based in Liverpool, home of Western Approaches Command. The group is used to escort convoys to and from Gibraltar. So far, the duty has been uneventful.

During the wars, Walker was trained as an expert in Anti-Submarine Warfare. He studied the ability and tactics of the German submarines. Unlike others, he was not taken by surprise when the German boats attacked the British supply routes very effectively in 1939. The British did everything to improve the defense. The introduced the convoy system, did everything to increase the number and range of the escorts, they built bases on Iceland, which was then handed to the USA. American ships began to escort convoys in the Northern Atlantic and it was only a question of time when the US would enter the war completely. During the first six months the escorts have been able to push back the submarines, and the casualties decreased.

However, Walker knows that the battle is not won. The Germans have a huge program to build new submarines and soon their number will increase tremendously. From their bases at France they will be able to send their ships into the wideness of the Atlantic Ocean. Britain can only win the fight, if the escorts manage not only to push back the submarines, but to sink them.

Walker looks northwards. Behind the horizon there is Gibraltar, the destination of this convoy. The Germans are sending submarines in the Mediterranean Sea and those are passing Gibraltar. The escort will have to be alert when they near Gibraltar. But they still have time and Walker is determined to use this time to train the escort group.


Chapter 2 – 1. December

A commander of the Royal Navy stands on top of the Rock of Gibraltar and watches the clouds drifting across the sky. There must be bad weather over the Bay if Biscay, but here at Gibraltar it is still warm and dry.
Walker’s convoy finally reached its destination. The rest of the journey was uneventful. Although he should feel glad about it, Johnny Walker is in a bad mood. He still could not show his skills. Yes, he is hungry for a fight, although he knows that his mission is to protect the merchant ships, not to sink hostile ships. The men of his group were drilled during the trip and every man knows how to do his job. He knows that he can rely on them. But can he rely on himself? There are still many tactical issues, he should have changed. Although he is decided to use a more aggressive tactic against the enemy, his perception is rather vague. And he knows that he must have a clear plan before he goes into battle, a plan that every member of his group is drilled for. First of all, he must decide about the formation of the escort group. Maybe there should be different formations for day- and nighttime. During night, the ring has o be much tighter. But then, what has to be done, if a submarine is spotted? How many ships should chase it and which ones? What should be the orders for the remaining ships, which have to secure the convoy then? How long should the ships chase a submarine before they had to return? What should happen, if no submarine is spotted, bit an own ship is sunk? He has to discuss this with the commanders of the other ships. There has to be a decision right now, because he wants to use the time at Gibraltar to train his group, before the next mission begins.
Down there, Walker can see that the harbor is almost filled. Some of the ships came with him; they are waiting for the next convoy to sail to England. Others came from the Mediterranean Sea. Comrades report, that German submarines make this ocean a dangerous place, too. The wardroom is filed with stories and rumors. An officer told him stories about the hard fight in Africa; about the superiority of the German tanks and about a wonder gun, which grenades penetrates every British tank with high precision, even at an incredible distance. Yesterday, news came up that German tank divisions took Moscow. Stalin committed suicide and Russia is about to capitulate. Many officers were very pessimistic, how Britain could continue the war under such circumstances. Others expressed their hopes that this could make Roosevelt change his mind. They were sure that America would now join Britain. Roosevelt would most likely settle his differences with Japan and declare war on Germany.
Walker shakes his head. He decides to go to the commander’s office. There he hopes to get reliable news. But the commander of the base knows little about Russia or America, but he can give some information about the current situation in the Atlantic. Walker learns that the Germans have at least three boats at the western exit of the Med.. Walker was lucky that he passed them unseen. The commander also tells him about latest news from the Western Approaches Command.
“I know that we had high casualties, Walker, but I can tell you there is something going in the old Royal Navy. You will soon have better weapons. Like these new ash can throwers. I heard that they do not influence the ASDIC signal. Or the new RDF, which works similar as the ASDIC, but on the surface. You will be able to see the enemy even at night.”
“Well, have you seen these so-called RDF?”
“Sure! Some of our Swordfishes got one.”
“And, does it work!”
“Yes! Now we detect German submarines almost every day.”
Walker sighs: “I wished I had the new equipment, but if wished even more to lead a convoy through more dangerous waters.”
The commander of the base laughs: “Do not say this too loud. The German might want to make you wish come true. Oh, by the way, I almost forgot to tell you that I received a message from the WAC. We will soon send another convoy to Liverpool. I guess it will be a rather large one and the 36 Escort Group will guard it. The route goes along the coast of France, through the operation fields of the German submarines and bombers. Are these waters dangerous enough?”
“When do we set sails?”
“Do not hurry. You will have to wait for more ships. You will not set sail before mid of December. And once you are at Liverpool, you may also get the RDF and ash can throwers.”
“Oh, I really wished I had them now!”
“Do not worry, Walker, I have something brand-new for you, another innovation, almost as good as the RDF. It is called “snowflake”. A new kind of flare that turns night into day. With that you can chase submarines even at night.”
“How many can you give me?”
“I have enough to equip your ships as well as the merchant ships.”
“Do you have any details about the enemy?”
“Well, Walker, as I already told you, the enemy has some boats right out there. They will detect you soon enough. If you manage to pass them unseen, you come into the range of the German bombers. They will find you. Then you will cross the marching routes of the complete German submarine fleet. Maybe you will even meet some heavy cruisers or battle ships. I bet you will have your fun.”
“Will I get air support?”
“I have air patrols out there and they will keep an eye on you as long as you are in range. Then you will be all alone, until you reach the coast of England.”

[Franconicus]

I posted the first two chapters again. There is nothing new, but all should have the same information. Hopefully I get the next chap this week, then you will have options to discuss.

I am still trying to find an enemy for you. I found some, but they are all German sailors older than 85 years and it takes some time to convince them. However, most of them are from Prien's crew, which raided the English port of Scapa Flow - so I think they are the right opponents for you!

[King Kurt]

Good news Franc - to have some experienced people on the other side is fantastic - especially as they are older than me!! I am used to being the senior here!! I am a spritely 58 on friday -

[Franconicus]

Chapter 3 – 11. December

Johnny Walker uses the time to exercise. New tactical maneuvers are trained again and again as well as communication and the usage of the new snowflake flares, which really turn night into day. Walker is satisfied; his group is ready to face the Krauts. He only wishes he had some air cover.
His men are glad when the group finally returns into the harbor of Gibraltar. They hope for some recreation before they will set sails again.
Walker goes straight to the office of the commander of the base. He finds him with another RN officer.
“Ah, Walker, come in! I already wanted to call you back. I have new orders for you. Your convoy is complete, 32 merchant ships in total. You will decamp on December 14th. And I have news for you, good news and bad news.”
“Start with the bad news.”
“We received the information that the Germans forming a new wolf pack to intercept you. So be careful.”
“And the good news?”
“Do you know Commander Mac Kendrick, Walker? He is commander of the escort carrier HMS Audacity.”
“Yes, I am, and I am also commanding her three escort destroyers, Blanckney, Stanley and Exmoor. Western Approaches Command told me to protect this England bound convoy.”
Walker looks skeptically at Mac Kendrick, who has the same rank as he, but a higher age of service.
“I am glad to have you with me. The convoy can surely use some air support.”
The base commander smiles at Walker: “Well, Commander, now you have a notable force. The Krauts should better watch out for you.”

Two hours later Walker sits together at a briefing. Along with him are the captains of the escort ships as well as Commodore Fitzmaurice from the Spero, who is the commander of the merchant ships.
Walker opens the briefing: “Gentlemen, you all know the target of our mission. We have to sail to Liverpool without any casualties. However, there are German submarines and bombers on the way, trying to intercept us. We have 13 warships and about 32 merchant ships. I suggest that the merchant form 9 columns, the escort vessels will be placed around. We will sail with 7.3 kn. Thanks to the Audacity we will have a continuous air shield. I am sure that Commander Mac Kendrick’s planes will keep the Germans on distance.”
Mac Kendrick pipes up: “Wait a moment, Commander Walker. You should know that the Audacity has currently four airplanes, exactly speaking four Grumman Martlets of the No. 802 Squadron FAA. These are not enough to patrol all the time. We should only use them when we are attacked!”
This news frustrates Walker, but four planes are better than none: “Alright, we will have to discuss if the planes could do at least some patrols. I think we form the convoy the usual way, in the middle there will be the biggest ships and the ships with the most valuable cargo. Of course, the Audacity will be in the centre, so she is well protected and I can use her destroyers to chase submarines.”
Mac Kendrick shakes his head: “Walker, I am sure, you are an excellent naval officer, but it seems as if you know nothing about airplanes. It is always difficult and dangerous to start and land on a ship. The pilots as well as my crew are all well trained and still it is risky. You have to keep many things in mind, especially the wind. Escort carriers sailing within the convoy have a too limited maneuvering space which is required to turn the carrier into the wind to operate aircraft. It is absolutely necessary to operate outside the convoy. Operating in the area near the convoy gives me all the space I need to turn as required for aircraft operations. However it is plane to see the necessity of a special escort for the carrier alone. Therefore the Western Approach Command gave me three escort destroyers.”
Walker sighs silently. Things turn out to be much more difficult as he thought they might be: “Well, Mac Kendrick, I have to think about it. I will give my orders later. I think we can end our meeting today. I want everybody to get their ships ready. Err, and one thing to the merchant ships. I expect high discipline from everyone. You have to keep your place in the convoy, you will keep the rule of communication. You will get snowflakes, which enables you to light the night. However, you are only allowed to use them with my permission and you have to report every contact with a submarine to the next escort vessel.”
This time it is Fitzmaurice, who answers back: “That is rubbish. Most of the merchant ships are equipped with guns. If we see a submarine between our ships, we can effectively fight it. We can even ram it. It would be foolish to ask each time we have a contact and wait for an answer. We should use the lights to mark the submarine and then fire at it from all sides. Your escort vessels won’t help much, once a submarine is between our ships.”
Walker shakes his head. He had always had the feeling as if he had to guide flock of sheep through a pack of wolves, but know it seems to him as if the sheep may cause more trouble than the wolves.

A) Decide how to the use the planes.
B) Decide where to place the Audacity, where to place the escort verssels and how to use them (drawing might be useful=)
C) Give orders to the merchants.
D) Decide the course.

By the way, happy birthday, Kurt. Hope you feel young enough for this naval battle!

[Fisherking]

When do you want us to reply?

[Franconicus]

March 1st!

[King Kurt]

First - thanks for the birthday greetings - a naval IH was the perfect present!!

Now - to business. We have 4 planes and they are fighters, so their main purpose is to attack aircraft - most likely Fw Condors. They have a range of about 850 miles and a top speed of about 330mph - so they can probably comfortably operate for about 3 hours. So I would propose 2 hour patrols with the first plane taking off at dawn and then one an hour until dusk when all planes would land. It is December so we only have about 10 hours of daylight to worry about. Most planes would fly twice and 1 three times. A plane would have 2 hours to be refueled and armed. This patern will give us 2 aircraft in the air most of the time, enough to react to any threat.Where possible planes would be spotted ready for take off should there be a problem. Patrol area should be around the convoy - up to 50 miles to the front, 40 miles to the side and 20 miles to the rear. Planes should fly at 3 to 5,000 feet as sighting subs is the top priority. They will be armed with their guns and flare/ smoke bombs on their hard points. If a sub is sighted its position will be reported and then it will be attacked with guns, prefereably from the rear as the sub's guns are on the fore deck. The idea is to drive the sub underwater to slow it down. Once it dives, its last postion will be marked by the smoke float so the convoy's escorts will be well placed to attack it. The other task is to detect and attack patrol planes - Fw Condors - when one is detected, it will be attacked.

I think this will make best use of our limited air asset. As for the carrier, I am inclined to put it close to the rear of the convoy and assign one destroyer as a close escort, leaving the other 2 to reinforce our convoy escort.

Orders for the merchants? - leave the fighting to us and keep convoy discipline. Perhaps we could asign a junior officer to each lead ship per convoy line to cordinate the ships in his group.

Finally - course - I think as proposed before - feingt south west, then north west to keep out of sight of spanish observers before heading for England - I assume Liverpool Franc

Well that is my proposal - what do you all think??

[Franconicus]

By the way, your opponents finally begin to form. As I told you, they are a bunch of German Uboot veterans. Could be very interesting, but we would need some more allies to play.

[King Kurt]

Small change to the plans above - cut down patrol areas to 30 miles in front, 20 miles to sides and rear. Also the escort should be split into an inner ring - close to the convoy and an outer ring - about 10 miles away - then the U boats will have to fight through 2 layers. we will attack them at every opportunity - maximun aggression. Also I would suggest the convoy has 5 columns - for a more compact box. Finally, when plane detects a sub, it will come up to a suitable height so it can be detected by radar so the sub's position is registered.

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

First - thanks for the birthday greetings - a naval IH was the perfect present!!

Now - to business. We have 4 planes and they are fighters, so their main purpose is to attack aircraft - most likely Fw Condors. They have a range of about 850 miles and a top speed of about 330mph - so they can probably comfortably operate for about 3 hours. So I would propose 2 hour patrols with the first plane taking off at dawn and then one an hour until dusk when all planes would land. It is December so we only have about 10 hours of daylight to worry about. Most planes would fly twice and 1 three times. A plane would have 2 hours to be refueled and armed. This patern will give us 2 aircraft in the air most of the time, enough to react to any threat.Where possible planes would be spotted ready for take off should there be a problem. Patrol area should be around the convoy - up to 50 miles to the front, 40 miles to the side and 20 miles to the rear. Planes should fly at 3 to 5,000 feet as sighting subs is the top priority. They will be armed with their guns and flare/ smoke bombs on their hard points. If a sub is sighted its position will be reported and then it will be attacked with guns, prefereably from the rear as the sub's guns are on the fore deck. The idea is to drive the sub underwater to slow it down. Once it dives, its last postion will be marked by the smoke float so the convoy's escorts will be well placed to attack it. The other task is to detect and attack patrol planes - Fw Condors - when one is detected, it will be attacked.

I think this will make best use of our limited air asset. As for the carrier, I am inclined to put it close to the rear of the convoy and assign one destroyer as a close escort, leaving the other 2 to reinforce our convoy escort.

Orders for the merchants? - leave the fighting to us and keep convoy discipline. Perhaps we could asign a junior officer to each lead ship per convoy line to cordinate the ships in his group.

Finally - course - I think as proposed before - feingt south west, then north west to keep out of sight of spanish observers before heading for England - I assume Liverpool Franc

Well that is my proposal - what do you all think??

Fine with me.

[Franconicus]

Could someone make a sketch of the convoy with the places and names of the escorts?

K.K.: What radar?

[King Kurt]

Could someone make a sketch of the convoy with the places and names of the escorts?

that would stretch my PC ability!!! - perhaps somebody else could help??
K.K.: What radar?

Some of the larger escorts have radar and the Audacity has simple air warning radar. I picked up this as a tactic by reading an account of the battle online - so they must have been able to do it!!

[Franconicus]

Chapter 4 – 14. December

Finally it is time to set sails. The Escort Group leaves fist, then the merchants and finally the Audacity with her escort destroyer. After a short but rough dispute Walker gave Mac Kendrick the order to provide air patrols all day through. Mac Kendrick replied that this would certainly lead to fatigue and therefore would reduce the combat strength in case of an attack, but Walker insisted. So the planes will patrol an area of about 30 miles in front and 20 miles to the rear and sides. The escorts would form an inner and an outer ring with a maximum distance of ten miles. The merchants will form a box with 5 columns. The Audacity will be in the center of the last row, with a destroyer as her personal guard. The speed of the convoy is 7.3kn.

The convoy sails course South West until it is out of sight from the Spanish mainland and then turn North West to sail to Liverpool.
This evening, another convoy will leave Gibraltar, a small Capetown bound one.

In the darkness of the night Walker’s convoy enters the Atlantic Ocean. Walker has the strong feeling that the fighting will soon begin. At 23:30 he hears the sound of depth charges and sees the light of phoscars on starboard. A swordfish of the Gibraltar patrol found a submarine with the A.S.V. and threw three charges. The distance is about three nautical miles on the right.

1) Please draw a sketch of your convoy with the positions and names of the escorts.
2) What are your commands regarding the sub?
3) Please give orders regarding your course! Drawing may help!!

Deadline is March 16!

P.S.: Your enemy consists of 6 to seven high mitivated players!!

[King Kurt]

I will get on to it Franc - been a bit tied up the last few days. A few comrades would help!!!

[Kagemusha]

Im here to join the team. Can someone brief me what an earth is going on?

Here is a map.I can start updating concerning movements of the bloody krauts and our own forces.Lets go sub hunting!

[Strike For The South]

Reporting for duty

[King Kurt]

I have done a diagram but have no way of putting it on the forum. Franc can I email it to you? - I have your email for some time ago.

And welcome to my old friend Kage and Strike for the South - we may be few, but we are select!! Time to sink some U boats.

Kage - to get some background, just look over the old Allied thread - fischerking and myself did quite a lot of background.

[Franconicus]

I have done a diagram but have no way of putting it on the forum. Franc can I email it to you? - I have your email for some time ago.

And welcome to my old friend Kage and Strike for the South - we may be few, but we are select!! Time to sink some U boats.

Kage - to get some background, just look over the old Allied thread - fischerking and myself did quite a lot of background.

Sure!

Here is a map.I can start updating concerning movements of the bloody krauts and our own forces.Lets go sub hunting!

Wow, Kage, you actually found the Atlantic Ocean.

[Kagemusha]

Sure!



Wow, Kage, you actually found the Atlantic Ocean.

Well i am by no means an expert in naval warfare, or not even a novice. Based on what i have read. Is our job at tactical level to decide convoy escort strenghts, formations and schedules or something at strategical level?

[King Kurt]

Franc - diagram sent to your email - hope it arrives OK!!

[Franconicus]

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MU7UUGUY

[Franconicus]

Please do not forget the deadline!!!

Just a very short summary: You (aka Johnny Walker) are the leader of an escort group, which guides a rather big convoy from Gibraltar to Liverpool. You have support of the carrier Audacity with two destroyers. However, the commander has the same rank as you and he does not agree wih your strategy.
You just left Gib. Intel reports that there are subs in front of you. You already decided, that the planes from the carrier (there are only few) should patrol around the convoy during daylight.
You are still in range of the Gibraltar air patrols and it seems as if one of these planes detected a sub on your left.

Now you have to decide:
- the formation
- how to react regarding the sub
- your course!

[Kagemusha]

Gah! Where are Kurt and Fisherking? My humble opinion is that we will continue sailing towards Liverpool, keeping the convoy inside of the protective rings. I dont want to start running after a single sub leaving the convoy.

[Franconicus]

Kurt is drowned in the bath and Fisherking sold his honor to the Krauts, I guess.

[Fisherking]

Dispatch the escorts from the left flank to deal with the sub and contact patrol air-command and drop some depth charges on the sucker and some markers. He has to escape to the right or go into shallow water and be had.

We have to continue on the south by south west course for a couple more days.

Convoy zigzag away and resume course.

Escorts know their drill. Locate and destroy. One ship guides the other onto target.

[Franconicus]

So one vote for staying at the convoy, one for hunting.

[Fisherking]

If the sub is in range of the convoy it should be hunted.

If it is beyond line of sight and air cover has chased it under then we leave it and continue on course.

As you didn’t give a range then we have to consider the possibilities. At any rate we are still headed south on this leg, are we not?