The real problem for U-boats screening the invasion is that the success of early tactics against convoys didn't
count.
WWI U-boats had attacked convoys from the outside, firing into the sides and then disappearing. The initial RN
response in WWII had been to try to guess which side of the convoy torpedoes came from and send escorts
out after the subs.
German tactics had changed and the U-boats would come in on the surface through the rear of the convoys as
lookouts were watching where they were going rather than behind. Once inside radar didn't help much as blips were everywhere.
Fire and submerge.
Enter the Western Approaches Tactical Unit, made up mostly of Wrens, which was tasked with wargaming scenarios each
day to work out how to combat the subs. First they came up with Raspberry (named to blow a raspberry at Hitler). Any
escort sighting a U-boat would signal Raspberry and all escorts would follow a particular tactical procedure. This was
refined through 'Pineapple' etc and was the first time wargaming had been used during an actual conflict to determine
tactical responses. This unit continued until 1945 and changed the course of convoy operations. Thank you ladies.
As to U-boat screening - best done on the surface at night as per the convoys isn't going to go too well unless the
Wermacht wants to run the massive risk of night landings.
Stopping the RN firing into landing groups also meant stopping any ship with guns from 6" and up from getting within
23 kilometres (14.29) miles.
Last but not least - a tight and possible successful blockade of Britain could have been evolved but for the ongoing
lack of cooperation between the Kriegsmarine and the Luftwaffe.
count.
WWI U-boats had attacked convoys from the outside, firing into the sides and then disappearing. The initial RN
response in WWII had been to try to guess which side of the convoy torpedoes came from and send escorts
out after the subs.
German tactics had changed and the U-boats would come in on the surface through the rear of the convoys as
lookouts were watching where they were going rather than behind. Once inside radar didn't help much as blips were everywhere.
Fire and submerge.
Enter the Western Approaches Tactical Unit, made up mostly of Wrens, which was tasked with wargaming scenarios each
day to work out how to combat the subs. First they came up with Raspberry (named to blow a raspberry at Hitler). Any
escort sighting a U-boat would signal Raspberry and all escorts would follow a particular tactical procedure. This was
refined through 'Pineapple' etc and was the first time wargaming had been used during an actual conflict to determine
tactical responses. This unit continued until 1945 and changed the course of convoy operations. Thank you ladies.
As to U-boat screening - best done on the surface at night as per the convoys isn't going to go too well unless the
Wermacht wants to run the massive risk of night landings.
Stopping the RN firing into landing groups also meant stopping any ship with guns from 6" and up from getting within
23 kilometres (14.29) miles.
Last but not least - a tight and possible successful blockade of Britain could have been evolved but for the ongoing
lack of cooperation between the Kriegsmarine and the Luftwaffe.