Many convoys crossed without seeing the heavily contested action associated with the worst Atlantic and Arctic battles. Even a lightly protected convoy normally received some escort, but scarcity encouraged the navy to group more merchant ships under each available screen. Larger formations were harder to assemble and maneuver, especially while the early system was still being worked out. The resulting delay could persuade a merchant ship to leave alone rather than wait for the next convoy. Escort shortage therefore created a feedback problem in which the effort to protect more ships could also increase the temptation to sail without protection.
Notable Point · 20:16-21:13
Escort scarcity, convoy size, and solo sailings
Too few escorts encouraged larger convoys, but the wait required to assemble them also tempted merchant captains to sail independently.