Schnellboote normally carried torpedo reloads

Did E-boats always carry four torpedoes?

They normally carried two ready torpedoes and two reloads, although a special mission could justify leaving the reloads behind to reduce weight.

Schnellboote ordinarily sailed with reload torpedoes. The load gave a boat another attack opportunity after firing its tubes, but it also added weight. A special mission that rewarded a lighter craft could therefore depart from the standard fit. Listed armament describes a baseline rather than every operational configuration.