Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:22:46-2:23:46

Would tenders escort convoys or support fixed patrol zones?

Although a tender might accompany a convoy in an emergency, its better use would be sustaining long-range patrol aircraft from a protected location.

Anti-Submarine WarfareConvoy EscortPBY CatalinaSeaplane Tenders
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Question

Would seaplane tenders accompany convoys or operate as roving Atlantic elements?

Short answer

They might do so in an emergency, but protected bases supporting Catalina patrols would usually offer greater value.

Notes

A tender could serve as a catapult ship or accept risk alongside a convoy, especially early in the war when fleet carriers were also exposed in ASW work. More available tenders would make such an emergency deployment easier to contemplate. With Catalinas in service, the tender would be more valuable in a quiet anchorage supporting their patrols. Sending that maintenance base out with a convoy would risk the support needed to keep the long-range aircraft operating.