The collapse of France and Norway removed the political and geographical assumptions behind the original British plan. The Royal Navy now had to protect the Channel without the expected minefield arrangement while also supporting operations in Norway. The new demands prompted rapid construction of motor torpedo boats, motor gunboats, and other small craft. Some boats intended for anti-submarine work proved too small for that role and were converted into gunboats. Urgency reshaped both procurement and employment.
Chapter · 8:51-10:01
The 1940 shock drives new coastal craft
The falls of France and Norway overturned British assumptions, leaving the Royal Navy to secure the Channel while supporting operations farther north.