The Submarine Torpedo Boat
Its Characteristics And Modern Development

i6o THE SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT sued by the enemy. The warning would then consist simply of the number designating the position of the enemy and a code word giving his course. Having received warning of the approach, the subma- rines will rig down the radio, pull up anchor, and make ready to submerge immediately that smoke is discerned on the horizon. After the enemy has appeared the sub- marines will remain stationary long enough to ascertain the speed, course, and formation he is following. The submarine nearest then starts out to meet him, exposing her periscope only just enough from time to time to enable her to correct her course. Once within easy torpedo range, she will continue to push in as close as possible with peri- scope continuously exposed just above the water and begin to open fire with her torpedoes. The other boats of the flotilla will close in behind the leader and direct their at- tack to other parts of the formation previously agreed upon. For fear of disclosing their position to the enemy, no signals of any kind can be exchanged between the boats of the flotilla after submerging. Therefore very explicit instructions must be given the captains of each boat be- fore taking up his position in the zone. These instruc- tions must cover the general tactics to be pursued for every possible formation of the enemy and for his direction of approach. Each captain will carry out these instructions independent of each other, and must run the possible risk of collision until within easy range of the objectives. Once within this range, however, the submarine signalling bells may be kept constantly ringing to apprise each of the others’ location and to prevent further danger of collision. From this point, too, warnings and instructions may be communicated from one boat to another.