Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:56:45-2:57:23

Hedgehog accuracy versus depth-charge totals

Hedgehog probably achieved the best success per attack among Second World War ASW weapons, while depth charges were used more often and likely sank more submarines in total.

Anti-Submarine WarfareBattle of the AtlanticDepth ChargesHedgehog Anti-Submarine WeaponWorld War II
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Which anti-submarine weapon had the highest success rate in the Second World War?

Short answer

Probably Hedgehog per attack, although depth charges were used far more often and likely caused more total sinkings.

Notes

The answer separates efficiency from aggregate results. Forward-throwing Hedgehog and similar ASW mortars benefited from improved sensors, doctrine, and crew experience by the time they were widely used. That likely gave them a higher success rate per pattern fired. Depth charges nevertheless dominated the war in total employment and therefore probably account for the greater number of overall losses.