I am under the impression that torpedoes used during WW1 were aimed by turning the boat towards the target (or desired course). Am I correct?

What were the procedures for firing a torpedo? What amount of time was needed to activate its guidance system? I am envisioning a system where a gyroscope is used to keep the torpedo from deviating from it's bearing when launched, so if this is the case wouldn't some time (30 seconds?) be needed to bring it up to speed?

Were these procedures any different for torpedoes launched from external cradles or Driezwski "drop collars" as were used on French submarines?

Thanks

Chris