The duel with U-379 involved ASDIC tracking, depth charges, repeated ramming, and gunfire as both vessels tried to survive. Pursuit could destroy or drive away the submarine, but it also carried the escort away from the merchant formation. Other threats could then approach a convoy with fewer escorts to oppose them. The tactical attraction of a submarine kill therefore had to be weighed against the continuing protection of the merchant ships.
Notable Point · 1:41:24-1:42:12
Pursuing U-379 leaves fewer convoy escorts
Pursuing U-379 offered the chance to remove one threat while leaving fewer escorts with the convoy to oppose other attackers.