The theory was that they would punch their way through unarmoured hulls and exit the ship underwater - leaving gaping holes behind them.
Can anyone confirm whether this is true or simply a false memory on my part?
Did the 5" aerial rocket mean small surface ships could not defend themselves with 20mm and 37mm? Asking if the launch position of the attacking aircraft with rockets put it outside the 20mm typical on small KM combatants or 37mm auto fire cannon?
Ralph Barker in his torpdeo bomber book mentions how a 1944 convoy off the Dutch coast was first attacked by rockets to disable the larger escorts present (presumably with the best AA suite) and then the aircraft closed into to use cannon/MG on the remaining vessels. Entire convoy claimed as sunk.
On another note regarding the lethality of the 20mm also recall a Uboat commander claiming the 20mm on his uboat did not appear to bother the Wildcat which was strafing his boat. Attacked by aircraft from a CVE I am guessing.
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