An escort placing itself in danger for a carrier follows a long-established protective role. HMS Nubian's severe damage during the Crete operations provides a modern-era example of a smaller ship protecting a carrier. The discussion then reaches back to the Glorious First of June, where ships rushed to relieve damaged capital ships and support HMS Queen Charlotte. The reason is operational as well as symbolic: the flagship, its fighting power, and the commanders aboard it shape the wider campaign. Rear Admiral Pasley's choice to assist Queen Charlotte rather than leave Lord Howe isolated captures the institutional pressure behind that role.
Notable Point · 27:05-28:42
Why escorts risk themselves for capital ships
Examples from Crete and the Glorious First of June show the long historical logic behind escorts accepting risk to keep a carrier, flagship, or senior commander in action.