Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 5:39:20-5:40:42

When a convoy needed battleship protection

Corvettes and frigates handled submarines, but an enemy capital-ship threat required a battleship able to stand between the convoy and heavy guns.

Anti-Submarine WarfareCommerce ProtectionConvoy EscortFleet TacticsRevenge Class BattleshipsRoyal Navy
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Question

Is assigning destroyers, cruisers, or battleships to convoy escort excessive when corvettes and frigates exist?

Short answer

No; corvettes and frigates cover submarines, while a battleship is justified when the convoy may face an enemy capital ship.

Notes

Corvettes and frigates meet the submarine threat, but a convoy exposed to enemy battleships needs heavier cover. An R-class battleship brings 15-inch guns to that task. While it engages the enemy, smaller escorts can move the merchant ships away behind it. Some escorts may stay close enough to provide smoke or add their 4-inch gunfire. The right escort force therefore depends on the opposition the convoy is likely to face.