An escort's lack of fighting does not establish that its deployment was unnecessary. Defenders have to protect places an enemy could attack, while the attacker can choose where to concentrate. Minion therefore performed useful work even when German forces never appeared. Deterrence and protection can justify a warship's presence without a battle.
Notable Point · 14:16-15:04
Why an escort can be useful without fighting
Minion's limited combat record raises a practical question: how should successful defensive presence be judged?