E-boats had to close the convoy to attack it, giving defenders a predictable tactical problem. British coastal forces could wait on likely approach routes instead of trying to win a stern chase against faster opponents. The resulting fights were dirty and close, requiring crews to commit once an ambush was sprung. Intelligence, patrol placement, and timing could matter more than outright interceptor speed.
Notable Point · 16:09-17:03
Ambushing an attacker that must approach the convoy
The effective answer to fast E-boats was often not a pursuit race but an ambush along the approach routes they had to use to reach a convoy.