Quote:
Originally Posted by RSwank
From the description of the attack, it is clear the Wellingtons were sent to a specific location (33 30N, 23 00E) to start their search for the convoy.
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This was probably thanks to ULTRA decrypts which could reveal the sailing times and planned routes of the convoys, including updates on their progress. For example, from October 1942:
QT 2942
(EMERGENCY + Z)
According to GAF arrangements made 1500 hours on 6th, (a) Sestriere is to be escorted … German W/T operators to be on board escorting destroyers Folgore and Pigafetta. (b) Dandolo to be escorted on her way from Suda to Tobruk … (c) Tanker Lusiana to be escorted from first light to arrival at Suda. (d) During night 7–8th, Fliegerkorps X aircraft to carry out jamming operations to protect Amsterdam convoy, passing from 3847, 1755 to 3847, 1935. Araxos or Grottaglie to be made available for take-off to lengthen time of flight.
QT 3100
Effort Fliegerkorps X on 7th, 82 sorties including … c) Seven convoys escorted: … Three He 111 sorties, one from 2205–2330 hours for Dandolo (five searching aircraft jammed) other two for Amsterdam.
Torpedo Wellingtons had no ASV radar, special Wellingtons had radar but no torpedoes.
There's a bit about it here as well.