Q&A · 33:03-33:47

Why mass-produced escorts used flowers, rivers, bays, and lochs

Royal Navy escort naming systems had to supply enough distinct names for very large wartime classes.

Escorts Flower Class Corvettes Royal Navy Warship Naming World War II

Question

What is your favourite English-language naming convention for World War II ship classes?

Short answer

The example chosen is the Royal Navy's escort names: flowers, rivers, bays, and lochs supplied enough distinct names for mass wartime construction.

Notes

Emergency escort programmes needed large supplies of distinct ship names. Flowers, rivers, bays and lochs could furnish long lists as construction expanded. The naming themes suited the number of ships expected in wartime.